Mark Selby hoping for another big performance

Mark Selby is hoping history repeats itself as he attempts to add the totesport.com Welsh Open title to his Masters crown.

Selby stunned Ronnie O'Sullivan with his fightback in the Pokerstars.com Masters final at Wembley eight days ago, when he turned a 9-6 deficit into a 10-9 victory.

In 2008, Selby won both the Masters and Welsh titles in quick succession, and he starts among the favourites this week in Newport, where he will begin his campaign on Wednesday against qualifier Judd Trump.

The Leicester cueman's triumph in Wales two years ago was in another final-frame decider against O'Sullivan.

Selby, 26, recalled: "I'd just won the Masters at the time, so hopefully that's a good omen for me.

"I've always enjoyed playing at the Newport Centre, going back to when we used to have the qualifiers there."

Apart from his Masters win, 2009/10 has been a disappointing campaign so far for Selby, and he is slipping down the provisional rankings for next season.

No ranking points are awarded for the Masters, as it is an invitational event, so world number seven Selby currently stands 15th for next season, worryingly close to dropping out of the top 16.

"If I lose in the first round in Wales, the Masters will suddenly seem a long way away," said Selby.

"It was fantastic to win at Wembley, but it wasn't a ranking event, so I've got to capitalise on my good form now and put some ranking points on the board.

"The standard is so high now that you are bound to have a tough opening match.

"Look at Ding Junhui - he won the UK Championship and must have been full of confidence, then in the Masters he drew me in the first round. So I don't want to be going to Wales cold."

Selby revealed his girlfriend Vicky has been busy keeping the Masters trophy in immaculate condition, while he has been struggling to take in the enormity of his achievement in fighting back from what seemed the point of no return.

"Winning the Masters has not really sunk in yet, even though I've got the trophy on my mantelpiece at home and I'm getting (girlfriend) Vicky to polish it every day!" Selby said.

"When I get to Wales and speak to some of the other players about the final, then it will sink in more."

Defending Welsh Open champion Ali Carter is due to face Mark Davis in his first-round match this evening, while Neil Robertson and Peter Ebdon will also be in action on the opening day.

Favourite O'Sullivan begins his challenge when he plays Stuart Bingham tomorrow.