Matt Selt stands on the brink of a remarkable turnaround, reaching the semi-finals of the Scottish Open after a season that, until now, had offered little to celebrate. The world number 38’s unexpected surge has been fueled by invaluable practice sessions with snooker legends.
Selt’s journey to this point included decisive victories over Ryan Day and a challenging trio of Chinese players – He Guoqiang, Wu Yize, and Jiang Jun. He now faces Chris Wakelin, aiming for a third ranking final and a first since 2022, a chance to recapture the form that saw him claim the 2019 Indian Open title.
A recent trip to Scotland proved pivotal. Selt sought out John Higgins, a player he’s idolized since childhood, hoping to rediscover his game. The time spent with “The Wizard of Wishaw” was transformative, providing a crucial boost in confidence and skill.
“For the last five or six months I’ve been all over the place,” Selt confessed. “Without those couple of days with John, I would have probably been beaten and gone home.” He emphasized the profound impact of Higgins’ generosity and mentorship, a gesture that lifted his spirits and reignited his passion.
Living in Dubai has also provided Selt with the extraordinary opportunity to practice alongside Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump. He describes these sessions as a dream come true, benefiting from the insights and expertise of the game’s elite.
Despite his impressive run, Selt remains grounded, downplaying his chances of lifting the Stephen Hendry Trophy. He focuses on the fundamentals, meticulously controlling his cue action, and letting the results unfold naturally.
“No chance,” he stated after his quarter-final win. “I’m just concentrating on pulling my cue back the desired amount. The rest of it is falling into place.” He acknowledges the season’s challenges, but sees the semi-final appearance as validation of the technical adjustments he’s been making.
In the other semi-final, a rising star is making his own statement. Chang Bingyu, a 23-year-old from China, has stormed into the final four after a stunning victory over the in-form Mark Selby.
Selby had recently dominated the Champion of Champions and UK Championship, appearing unstoppable. Chang’s win, following a previous victory over Kyren Wilson, demonstrates a remarkable level of skill and composure.
“I actually didn’t think that I can beat him today,” Chang admitted, acknowledging Selby’s recent form and a previous defeat. “So this time I would be glad to take even one frame.” Winning the first frame proved to be the turning point, allowing him to relax and play with newfound confidence.
Chang’s ascent is particularly noteworthy given his recent return from a match-fixing ban. He’s quickly climbing the rankings, showcasing resilience and a determination to redefine his career.
