Bulgaria Eleven30 – Mark Selby wins the first leg in Sofia

Mark Selby beat Ronnie by 6-5 in the first Eleven30 event in Sofia, Bulgaria, yesterday, in what seems to have been a terrific match in front of a terrific crowd.

I don’t think that Ronnie will be too disappointed with the result. In his latest radio show he had stated that what he wanted from this is a good competitive match and that’s certainly what he got. Also having played his qualifying match for the International Championship until late the previous evening meant he had little sleep: he had to travel about 350 km to the airport after the match and then catch an early flight. So going the distance against a player of Mark Selby’s calibre is certainly not bad!

Anyway, here is Jason Francis account on twitter, as usual:

On our way! Eleven 30 series Ronnie v Selby leg 1 tonight in Sofia

220 mile drive from Preston to Heathrow last night but worth it to put on a show for the Bulgarian fans

Welcome from the Bulgarian press

So pleased to do this for Bulgarian snooker

Too early for champagne? My partner here Oleg has it all under control

As big as the champions league I kid you not (this about the trophy)

VIP (this about the signing session)

1600 sell out tonight in Bulgaria!!! #eleven30

Crowds #eleven30 #bulgaria

Going 1-0 Selby here

Selby century 2-0

Rocket in frame 3

Ronnie on the board 2-1 Selby now

3/1 Mark at the interval

Back for the second half

Ros 60 and counting

Ronnie century…a big 133

Crowd loving this battle, seeing their faces is exactly why I do these shows…. top players, top crowds.

Ros looking stronger as the night goes on… at the table and chance for 3-3

Jester fighting back, about to go 4/3 ahead

3rd century if the evening, 103 from Selby

Could this be century number 4???

It’s only 96 but it’s enough for Ronnie to make it 4/4!! Best of 3 now for this

Ronnie in front now… 5-4 up. Looking fluent

Ros made 80 in that last frame

Great 92 from Selby and we are into a decider!!!!!!!

Selby first chance in the decider…

58 and counting, looks like first blood jester on a fantastic night in Sofia

Can we get our 4th century?

135 (Tc)to win 6:5 well played @markjesterselby

Winner (about Mark Selby pic with the trophy)

With the mayor of Sofia

Trophy presentation

Great night in Sofia! Brilliant crowd and snooker … Well done Oleg, Snooker Legends and everyone who made it happen #number1and2