• World Championship

Selby clinches thriller with White but Higgins facing exit

ESPN staff
April 21, 2014
Mark Selby (right) twice surrendered a big lead on Michael White and had to win the match with a deciding frame © Getty Images
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Mark Selby narrowly edged through to the second round of the World Championship after he clinched a tight 10-9 victory against Michael White.

Breaks of 88, 57, 78 and 63 quickly moved Selby into a 5-1 lead, before White hit back with three consecutive frames to move within one.

Selby, who finished runner-up to John Higgins at the Crucible in 2007, responded with visits of 74, 68 and 51 to move 8-4 ahead, but once again let White back into the match to level at eight frames apiece.

The nerves crept in as both added another frame to their tally to send the match into a decider, which Selby claimed with a break of 57 to seal victory.

Meanwhile, four-time champion Higgins faces a fight to stay in the tournament as he trails Alan McManus 6-3 after the opening session of their first round clash.

McManus had beaten Mark Williams in the final qualifying round to reach the main draw, but found himself behind after Higgins took a tight first frame.

However, wearing tartan trousers, the Scot claimed six straight frames - including breaks of 87, 47 and a 74 clearance - to move into a commanding lead against his out-of-sorts opponent.

Higgins was on for a maximum in frame eight but broke down on 80, before a 57 helped him seal the final frame of the session and reduce the deficit to three. They continue on Tuesday.

Joe Perry held off Joe Burnett to book his place in the last 16 as he secured a 10-7 victory on Monday. Perry trailed 6-3 after Saturday's first session but took six successive frames, which included visits of 87, 55, 70 and 51 to move within one of the match.

However, Burnett hit back with a 111 before Perry sealed victory with a classy 81.

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