The reigning World Snooker Champion and number one ranked player, Mark Selby is in real danger of being eliminated in just the second round this year. He trails the promising Anthony McGill by four frames as the match goes into the final session later on this evening at the Crucible. The 'Jester from Leicester' has not been enjoying the experience so far in their best-of-25 frame match, as his opponent has matched him all the way so far and requires just three more frames for a notable victory.
McGill came through the qualifying rounds to reach the first round at Sheffield's famous venue.
The flame-haired Scot has been impressive throughout in his match with Selby, keeping the match close in the early stages before taking the last three frames before the interval to establish a commanding 10-6 lead. Both players have scored one century each so far, Selby rattling in a 120 in frame eleven and McGill responding in kind, with an even better 125 break in the 14th frame.
Selby has not found his normal consistent form so far in the tournament. He looked far from his best in the first round, despite two century breaks, before edging out Kurt Maflin 10-9. McGill's first round tie also went down to the wire against fellow Scot Stephen Maguire, before he clinched the match with a wonderfully composed century break in the decisive 19th frame.
24-year-old McGill hails from Glasgow and is the regular practice partner of the veteran Scottish player, Alan McManus. He has only been a professional since 2010, although in his early years he was runner-up in Junior Pot Black in 2006, giving him an early taste of potential future stardom in the game.
His best finish in a major ranking tournament up to now was his quarter-final defeat at the 2014 UK Championship.
After defeating John Higgins in the previous round, he moved into an early lead before being ultimately beaten by the 'Rocket', Ronnie O'Sullivan. That performance marked him down as a name to look out for in future events and he seems to be fulfilling that promise in Sheffield this week.
