This ranking event is crucial, especially against the backdrop of both players’ inconsistent results in 2026. Over a long distance, the decisive factors are the ability to compile scoring runs and the conversion rate of key scoring opportunities.
Mark Selby
Mark Selby won the Championship League title at the end of last year, but in the major events of 2026 he has not shown stability. At the Masters he lost 2:6 to Xiao Guodong; at the German Masters he was beaten 4:5 by Xu Si, and at the Hong Kong Masters he went out 4:5 to Zhao Xintong. In World Open qualifying he only scraped past Haydon Pinhey 5:4, even though the opponent is below top level. However, in best-of-11 matches his win percentage over the last two seasons is above 60%, and his average of 50+ breaks has remained at around four per match, which gives him a solid platform to control the longer format.
Jack Lisowski
Jack Lisowski is having an uneven season. After his success at the Northern Ireland Open he has not produced any breakthrough results. At the German Masters he suffered a heavy defeat to Xiao Guodong, and at the Hong Kong Masters he lost 4:5 to Chang Bingyu. He played many matches in the Championship League, but the short format is not very indicative. In 2026 he has had few matches with two or more century breaks, and his win percentage in best-of-11 matches is below 50%. His aggressive style produces bursts of scoring, but over long matches the number of errors increases.
Mark Selby vs Jack Lisowski Prediction
The best-of-11 format reduces the impact of risk and increases the importance of positional play. The former is more organised tactically and more resilient in prolonged passages, whereas the latter is less stable under pressure. The difference in the former's discipline and experience in long matches should translate into at least a two-frame margin in his favour.
