Mark Selby: Ronnie O'Sullivan is snooker's greatest player, but critics inspire me when I meet him

Updated 05/12/2016 at 11:31 GMT

Mark Selby says he is inspired to prove himself when he faces Ronnie O'Sullivan because of the criticism he receives from some cynics who deride his style as negative.

Mark Selby celebrates with his family.

Image credit: Eurosport

Two-times world champion in 2014 and 2016 and undisputed world number one Selby won his latest duel with the game's greatest player courtesy of breaks of 107, 134, 137, 56, 87, 51, 58, 63 and 67 in a classic final at York's Barbican Centre.

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For his part, five-times world and UK champion O'Sullivan produced 124, 63, 56, 80, 134, 130 and 82 as he clawed his way from 7-2 behind to 8-7 before Selby pushed on with two closing centuries of his own to collect the £170,000 winner's cheque.

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O'Sullivan leads Selby 16-9 in their career meetings, but the Leicester man has won five finals to O'Sullivan's three.

Selby, 33, has also defeated O'Sullivan in a series of finals on television in the UK in recent years at the 2014 World Championship, the 2010 Masters, the 2008 Welsh Open and this year's UK Championship in what has become one of the sport's great rivalries.

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While O'Sullivan is viewed as snooker's ultimate entertainer, Selby continues to fend off accusations of being slow, negative and boring.

"With the criticism I get, it inspires me even more," said Selby to the BBC. "It makes me want to try harder.

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"I understand not everyone out there is going to play as naturally as Ronnie, he is a one-off," said Selby.

To beat Ronnie is great. In my eyes, if he plays in every tournament then he is still the best player and the one to beat. To play him in a major final and to win is a great feeling.

"You see people who are naturally talented and others have to work hard. I hold my hands up to know I have to work at it, but I would rather it be that way."

Ronnie O'Sullivan

Image credit: Imago

O'Sullivan, who celebrates turning 41 on Monday, has lost finals this season to Judd Trump in the European Masters, John Higgins at the Champion of Champions and the UK Championship to Selby.

He admits some of the play he has faced has been remarkable, but believes he knows the reason behind such inspired opponents.

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"It seems like when someone plays me it is a cup final for them, like Stephen Hendry in his day. Whoever he played, it was a big match," said O'Sullivan.

"As long as I continue to play, whoever I play, it will be big. People like playing someone who has won so many tournaments.