Mark Selby vs Jak Jones Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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The decorated Mark Selby looks to avoid a third straight first-round exit at the Crucible when he takes on 2024 runner-up Jak Jones.

Kick-off date/time:

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Mark Selby vs Jak Jones prediction

As always, Mark Selby is one of the leading candidates for the world title this year, with the four-time champion having claimed glory at the UK Championship, Champion of Champions and Championship League this season.

However, the Jester from Leicester has been a surprise first-round casualty in each of the last two years at the Crucible and will be desperate to avoid a similar fate this time around.

Selby faces a dangerous opponent though, with Jak Jones going all the way to the final in Sheffield only two years ago, while he was a quarter-finalist on his debut only a year prior.

The Welshman, who defeated 2023 world champion Luca Brecel in the final round of qualifying, hasn't made much impact in tour events this season, aside from a semi-final appearance at the English Open in September.

Selby will be wary of his opponent's Crucible pedigree but that still pales into comparison to his own record in Sheffield. We fancy the world number seven to right the wrongs of the last two years and make his class tell here.

Mark Selby vs Jak Jones tip: Mark Selby to win with -3.5 frames handicap