Selby relishing return to one-table set up after reaching World Championship last four

Mark Selby's incredible Crucible campaign continued after waltzing into the Betfred World Snooker Championship semi-finals with a session to spare in Sheffield.

The Jester had already produced two top-notch performances but seems to be growing in confidence and form after downing Mark Williams 13-3.

Selby led 6-2 after the first session and kept his foot firmly on the throttle, getting over the finish line without even needing to play the third and final session of the match.

Ten breaks of more than 50 represented a strong scorebook for a man who has lost just 11 frames in three matches so far – equalling the Crucible record.

“I carried on from where I left off in the other two games. I didn’t give Mark anything, that was the plan, I didn’t want to open the reds up and give him too many options because I know how well he’s played,” said the three-time world champion.

“If he went out there and played the way he beat John, he was more than capable of doing what I did to him.

“I managed to get off to a good start, playing well, which was key. He knew he was in for a tough game.

“I’m very, very close. Performance wise, when you look at the three matches, I’m probably playing better at this stage than I did going into the semi-finals the three years I won it.

“I’ve still got two tough matches to play but I’m happy with the way things are going and I’m happy with my performance.

“The way I’ve played so far, you don’t always think you can keep that up all the way through but fingers crossed I can.”

Speaking after the match, Williams believes that no player can be a match for Selby if he regains his best form.

But he’s not over the winning line yet, with a semi-final against Stuart Bingham to look forward to as the two-table setup becomes one in the iconic Crucible Theatre.

With the crowds increasing with each round that passes, the unique atmosphere is set to return – a stage of the Championship Selby has been relishing since the start.

“I’m not getting too ahead of myself, staying relaxed and looking forward to it,” he added.

“The one-table setup comes into its own, it makes it the best venue.

“I was a little bit more motivated to win this match to get back there. If you’re to look up snooker history, it is the iconic picture.

“The tournament last year felt a little bit soulless when it got to the semi-final stage.

“A lot of tournaments we’ve played in without fans has been a bit flat.

“Going out there this year, with fans in there, will be fantastic.”

Watch the World Snooker Championship live on Eurosport and Eurosport app from April 17- May 3