Home fans hoping to inspire Jester to Champions glory

SELBY WILL TAKE ON MAGUIRE IN HIS OPENING MATCH AT CITY'S MATTIOLI ARENA

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LOCAL HERO: Mark Selby playing in last year's World Grand Prix at Mattioli Arena

(TAI CHENGZHE/VCG VIA GETTY IMAGES)

MARK Selby begins his campaign to win the Champion of Champions tournament in his home city of Leicester this afternoon.

The four-time world champion faces Scotland's Stephen Maguire in his opening match at the Mattioli Arena from 1pm, with the winner facing either defending champion Mark Williams or Alfie Burden.

Selby qualifed for the tournament after winning the Welsh Open and Championship League Invitational.

He beat Maguire 9-6 in the Welsh Open final in Llandudno to claim his second Welsh title.

The Jester also defended his Championship League title by beating Kyren Wilson 3-0 in the final at Mattioli Arena - after beating city rival Joe O’Connor 3-1 in the 2024 final.