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Page last updated at 09:25 GMT, Monday, 12 January 2009

Selby nervous over title defence

Mark Selby
Mark Selby defeated Stephen Lee 10-3 at last year's final

Leicester's Mark Selby says he is a little apprehensive ahead of his title defence at the UK snooker Masters in London this week.

The world number four will take on Ricky Walden in his first-round match at Wembley Arena on Monday night.

He told BBC Radio Leicester: "I'm really excited but at the same time a little bit nervous.

"I don't really know what to expect as it's new territory for me going there as defending champion."

Selby added: "I know it's going to be a tough game [first round] but a lot of it is all about myself - if I play well I feel as though I'll win the match.

"So, I need to concentrate on myself and make sure I'm prepared for the tournament."

Selby's opponent Walden defeated Mark King 6-2 in the wildcard match on Sunday.

World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan clinched a 6-5 win over Joe Perry in the first round and Stephen Maguire beat fellow Scotsman Graeme Dott 6-5.



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see also
Selby ready for Masters defence
09 Jan 09 |  Snooker
Snooker on the BBC
16 Sep 08 |  Snooker


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