03 May 2023 , 07:15
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Losing the World Championship Snooker final didn't deter Mark Selby from making a classy gesture to winner Luca Brecel as the pair partied into the early hours.
In a gripping contest that fluctuated throughout, it was the Belgian star who eventually came through 18-15, but only after the four-time world champion had mounted a huge fightback. Trailing 16-10, Selby won five frames on the bounce before Brecel rediscovered his supreme potting form to prevail.
And the mutual respect between the pair was evident afterwards, with Brecel sending a heartfelt message to his opponent during his victory speech, amid his wife's recent health struggles: "And I would just like to say to Mark and Vikki – stay strong," said the 28-year-old.
At that point of course, both players were still sober, which wasn't necessarily the case come 3.30am on Tuesday morning as that partied together in a nightclub. And it was then that Selby, 39, showed true grace with a request to the DJ.
He asked for We Are The Champions to be blasted out, in tribute to Brecel. Fans and fellow clubbers joined in the singing and dancing, with Brecel even cheekily pointing at the Englishman when belting out the ‘no time for losers’ line, with Selby seeing the funny side.
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Footage of the fun went viral after being posted on social media by Mail Sport reporter David Coverdale, with fans duly lauding Selby for his show of respect: "Great example of true sportsmanship!" wrote @justinbailey43.
(Twitter@https://twitter.com/dpcoverdale/status/1653421137030795264)@throapham1960 added: "Two finalists celebrating after the final, both winners," while @SnookerCenturi1 said: "I didn’t even think I could like Mark Selby even more. Looks like a class party."
Hours earlier, 'The Jester from Leicester' had paid tribute to the talent of Brecel, and also acknowledged his recent family struggles: "12 months ago it was just nice to come back and just play and try to enjoy it. From where I've been to where I am now, I've enjoyed the last two weeks," he said.
"It didn't finish how I wanted it to, but with things going on off the table as well, not just with me but with Vikki as well you know, obviously I realise that health is more important. This is a game; a game that you want to win but if you don't it's not the end of the world."