Mark Selby has claimed his 26th career ranking title after producing a superb comeback to defeat Noppon Saengkham 10–6 in the final of the 2026 China Open in Taiyuan.

The Leicester star found himself 4–2 behind during the opening stages of the final, with Saengkham looking the more impressive player. However, Selby’s experience and trademark resilience eventually came to the fore as he turned the match around in emphatic fashion.

The victory sees Selby make history once again, becoming the first player to win the China Open on four occasions. It also takes his tally of ranking titles won in China to a record eight.

Selby Turns the Final Around

The opening session finished level at 4–4, with Saengkham initially appearing to have the upper hand. However, Selby crucially managed to win the final two frames of the session to avoid going into the evening trailing.

That proved to be a major turning point.

Selby opened the evening session with a break of 58 before producing a superb long red when 37–1 behind in the following frame. He went on to clear with a break of 90, taking the lead for the first time at 6–4.

Another break of 69 extended his advantage before Selby produced an excellent 52 in the 12th frame after Saengkham missed a long red.

Suddenly, Selby was 8–4 ahead.

Saengkham eventually stopped the run of six consecutive frames with a break of 71, but a crucial missed red in the 14th frame proved costly.

Leading by 36 points with 68 on the table, Saengkham missed the final red to a top corner. Selby responded with two excellent snookers, gaining the penalty points he needed before clearing the table to move 9–5 ahead.

Saengkham continued to battle and pulled another frame back with a break of 61, but Selby would not be denied.

After Saengkham failed to capitalise on two early opportunities in the next frame, Selby produced a superb red to centre and went on to make a match-winning break of 57.

The comeback was complete.

Another Major Milestone for Selby

The £250,000 first prize represents another significant milestone in Selby’s illustrious career.

The 43-year-old now has 26 ranking titles, moving him level with Neil Robertson in seventh place on the all-time ranking-title list.

His victory also moves him from ninth to fifth in the world rankings, while another strong performance at the Wuhan Open later this month could potentially see Selby return to the world number one position.

It is a remarkable turnaround for a player who endured a difficult spell during the early part of 2026.

Selby’s season had been short of his usual high standards, culminating in a second-round World Championship defeat to Wu Yize. During the summer, he also made the significant decision to move away from the cue he had used for two decades.

His new cue has a larger 9.2mm tip compared with the 8.5mm tip on his previous cue.

Although Selby admits he is still adapting to the change, the early signs are certainly encouraging.

Throughout the China Open, he looked increasingly comfortable and conceded just 13 frames across five matches on his way to the title.

Saengkham’s Incredible Run

Although Noppon Saengkham was unable to complete the final step, the Thai star enjoyed a tournament to remember.

Nicknamed the “Dark Horse” by Chinese fans, Saengkham produced one of the finest runs of his career to reach the final.

His route included victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, defeating:

• Judd Trump
• Ronnie O’Sullivan
• Shaun Murphy
• Zhou Yuelong

The 34-year-old ultimately fell short against Selby but leaves Taiyuan with a career-best £100,000 prize and a significant rise in the world rankings.

His performance moves him up 18 places to 27th in the world.

It was also Saengkham’s second appearance in a ranking final, having previously reached the final of the 2023 Scottish Open.

Selby: “I Felt I Played Some Really Good Stuff”

Speaking after the match, Selby was delighted with the way he performed throughout the week.

“I’m very happy to be standing here as champion, I felt I played some really good stuff all week.”

Selby admitted that he had been fortunate to finish the opening session level at 4–4 after Saengkham had played strongly.

He also spoke about the confidence returning to his game and the rhythm he found throughout the tournament.

“When you are confident you look at shots and fancy getting them. I have found some good rhythm and played at a nice tempo when I have had chances.”

With the Wuhan Open next on the horizon, Selby is determined to keep the momentum going.

“While you are riding the crest of a wave you want to keep going.”

Saengkham Proud Despite Final Defeat

Despite the disappointment of losing the final, Saengkham was proud of his performance throughout the tournament.

He praised Selby’s safety play and acknowledged that the match changed significantly after the opening session.

“Mark was very strong today and controlled the game very well, his safety game was so good.”

Saengkham added that he was delighted with his overall performance in Taiyuan and vowed to continue working towards winning his first ranking title.

A Huge Week for Selby

Selby’s China Open triumph represents far more than another title.

After a difficult period earlier in the year, he has responded in typical fashion – with determination, experience and world-class match play.

A fourth China Open title, a record eighth ranking title in China and a return to the world’s top five underline just how quickly fortunes can change in professional snooker.

With the Wuhan Open coming later this month, Selby now has the opportunity to build on this momentum and potentially make another push towards the very top of the world rankings.

Mark Selby is back among the winners – and once again proving why he remains one of the greatest match players of his generation.