Selby wins the first points of the 2008 season - 11/09/2008

MARK Selby delivered an impressive performance in his Premier League debut as he came from 2-0 down to beat Ding Junhui 4-2 and secure the first points of the 2008 event.

Selby, ranked fourth in the world, recovered from the early setback and recorded breaks of 86, 80 and 73 before breaking through the century barrier in the last frame.

Ding had stolen the opener as he got the better of a safety exchange and cleared enough colours to move into the early lead.

A superb hundred from the 21-year-old from Shanghai signaled his intentions as he banked the first £1,000 century bonus of the 2008 competition. With a two rack deficit, Selby needed the next frame and took it with a run of 86 to bolster his confidence in front of an enthusiastic 700 strong crowd at the Grimsby Auditorium.

Another excellent break in the fourth frame, this time of 80, leveled the match up and a run of 73 ensured at least a point for the Leicester man.

Selby saved his best for last as he recorded a deserved ton to secure both points and complete a run of 343 uninterrupted points.

"I had a few chances to make a century but I’m not complaining – I’m chuffed to bits winning 4-2 on my debut," said Selby.

"I only played one bad safety in first frame, then he took the second and then I performed. I always try and enjoy it and put on a good performance.

"With the shot clock, I played a little bit quicker than last season so I’ll need to get a bit of exercise in.

"I've got to take it one game at a time and Stephen’s record speaks for itself but I’m certainly looking forward to it," he added, looking ahead to his next match against Stephen Hendry in Derby on September 25.

Mark Selby 4-2 Ding Junhui
Selby's scores first
51-64 (Selby 43, Ding 30) 15 – 105 (Ding 100), 86-0 (Selby 86), 80-0 (Selby 80), 73-0 (Selby 73), 104-0 (Selby 104).