HE MAY have struggled earlier this week but the UK Championship is now seeing the best of Mark Selby after he booked his place into the semi-finals.

Mark Selby. Picture by Monique Limbos

The world number one was dominant throughout his quarter-final against Matthew Selt, winning 6-1 to set up a mouth-watering tie against Australian Neil Robertson on Saturday.

Robertson and Selby met in the 2013 UK Championship final which saw the former lift the trophy following a 10-7 win.

But if Selby’s quarter-final performance was anything to judge by, then the semi-final should be a treat to watch as the Leicester star hit top form – his best of the tournament so far.

Earlier this week Selby was counting his lucky stars after he somehow avoided defeat against Jamie Jones in the last 32 round tie when he was below par throughout.

But Selby was on it from the word go last night as he went 2-0 up early on to put early pressure on the world number 25.

Selt got into his stride in the third frame with a break of 83 but that was his only joy in the match as Selby sailed through with runs of 61, 62 and 72.

After the match Selby said: “I can’t remember missing anything easy. The fourth frame was key as it probably should have gone 2-2. I managed to nick that frame which was a turning point.

“Matt’s a great player who’s moved up the rankings in the last 18 months – he’s been one of the form players on the tour.”

“Neil’s (Robertson) been playing the best in the tournament so far. It will be tough but I’m looking forward to it and I’ll relish it as always.

“When I get chances against him I need to score and my safety needs to be good, because I don’t think he has any weaknesses.”