Who is laughing now?
Probably still not the "Jester from Leicester" - seemingly one of the most ironically named players in world snooker.
He is also, however, unquestionably, the greatest player currently plying his trade on the green baize.
The Englishman defended his world championship title in some style on Monday night, fighting back from 10-4 down to defeat John Higgins 18-15 in one of the great Crucible finals.
https://twitter.com/WorldSnooker1/status/859166289776062467
The Leicester native was tested severely by the Scot on Sunday and repeatedly on Monday, but he showed remarkable resilience to win his third world championship in four years.
"He is granite," was Higgins' succinct assessment.
Only Selby, Steve David, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan have managed to defend their title at the Crucible - that is some quartet. Selby is also £375,000 richer.
https://twitter.com/Eurosport_UK/status/859167083073986560
He played some
serious snooker to deny Higgins, including this 131 break in the 32nd frame.
https://twitter.com/Eurosport_UK/status/859158431382372352
