Mark Selby will now face Akani Songsermsawad in his last game with a victory needed to ensure his stay in the Six Red Competition. The 2019 Six Red World Championship has gotten heated, as we enter the crucial stages of the competition.
Mark Selby began Group D confidently as he dropped only a single frame while Akani Songsermsawad was 5-3 against Gary Wilson in the early stages of the competition.
Mark Selby, who has won the World Snooker Championship three times and also the current world number six, will fancy his chances against Akani Songsermsawad. Mark Selby has been described as a patient but stiff competitor with solid safety style of play.
Selby is equally very good at break-building and has garnered over 550 century breaks in his entire professional career. Also, Mark Selby has never won a Six Red World Championship.
Akani Songsermsawad, who is Selby’s opponent, is a seasoned player in amateur Thai Snooker events and has been playing since 2011.
Akani first came into limelight and gained international attention when he secured a 5–2 win over veteran snooker player Matthew Selt in the Six-red World Championship back in 2008.
Akani has about 27 Century Breaks and is also currently ranked 53rd in the world. Much like Mark Selby, Akani Songsermsawa has never won a Six Red World Championship, and this year’s edition would be the perfect opportunity for either of them to clinch it. However, the match is a must-win game for Selby, as he desperately looks to remain in the tournament.
Teenager Yan Bingtao and veteran James Wattana who are both at the opposite ends of their careers will fight it out to finish in second place.
Gary Wilson’s 5-3 success over Mark Selby has placed him in Group D, and he’ll definitely be featured at the next hurdle. On the other hand, the complete outcome of Group F is still yet to be finalized.
David Gilbert sits on top of the table with a pair of wins, but also has a one-sided loss against Ryan Day. A resounding win for Jimmy White could yet see the latter duo leapfrog the Crucible semi-finalist.
The Six Red World Championship runs until Saturday with more than 80000 pounds at stake for whoever emerges as the Grand Champion.
Written by: Collins Nwokolo
