Bringing the best to the baize

Big stars, big breaks and big money boost China Open's global profile

Last week's Fuhua Group China Open furthered its reputation as one of the biggest events on World Snooker's calendar as the sport's elite served up seven days of top-class action on the baize in Beijing.

World No 1 Mark Selby became the first player to successfully defend the title, beating fellow Englishman Barry Hawkins 11-3 in Sunday's final, which featured a break of 132 by the victor.

And while the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan failed to make it beyond the last 64, 'The Rocket' still turned on the style for the fans with a maximum 147 break in his 6-2 loss to Elliot Slessor to earn a 42,000 pound ($59,000) bonus.

Selby pocketed 225,000 pounds ($318,000) for his efforts－a top prize bettered only by the world championship (around $600,000), which cues off in Sheffield, England later this month.

The China Open's total pot was $1.41 million.

"I played good matchplay snooker in the first session and capitalized on the balls that Barry missed. Then I scored well in the second session," Selby told World Snooker's official website.

"I felt good all week, as if my game was coming back. It's very satisfying to be able to go out there knowing my game is in good shape.

"Coming here, I didn't know what to expect, but it couldn't have gone any better.

"In the early part of my career I got to a lot of ranking finals and lost. I doubted myself for a while. Since then it has been hard work, dedication and practice. I started winning and gained more belief."

Selby reserved special praise for the fans and the venue (Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium), and added he was looking forward to returning to China.

"The China Open has become a healthy and happy snooker platform for players and fans from all over the world," said Wang Tao, vice-president of the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association.

"The tournament helped to promote the National Fitness program and Healthy China agenda of our country.

"We've reason to believe the China Open has more room for improvement. The tournament will provide global players with a better platform and better services, helping everyone to achieve their dreams and promoting the sport's long-term development."

Word Snooker director Jason Ferguson said the tournament's success is built on the cooperation of its numerous partners, including operating company Beijing Xingpai Group.

The company's general manager, Gan Jialing, said it focused on ensuring players and spectators had a happy and pleasurable experience during matches.

Unfortunately for the home fans, the Chinese players weren't quite so happy at the table.

World No 3 Ding Junhui endured a frustrating competition, losing 6-5 to Kyren Wilson in the last 16, with Ding's compatriots Lv Haotian, Zhou Yuelong, Cao Yupeng and Luo Honghao also falling at that stage.

"The young players were not experienced enough," said Ding. "Facing stronger opponents at the late stage of a tournament shows players' real capabilities."

Snooker continues to thrive in China, however. According to a cninfo360.com report, snooker and billiards are played by about 80 million people here and the country is now the sport's largest market.