Defending champion Mark Selby saw off a strong challenge from world number 86 Chen Feilong to progress on day one of the Evergrande China Championship in Guangzhou.

Three-time Crucible winner Selby picked up the title last year after outlasting 30-time ranking event winner John Higgins to win a grueling final 10-9.

That was Selby’s most recent ranking event victory. His last three have all come in China and seven of his 15 career ranking titles have been won on Chinese soil.

Selby took the opening frame of today’s heldover tie thanks to a break of 53. However, consecutive frames from Chen saw the Chinese cueman take a surprise 2-1 lead.

From there Selby moved his game up a gear. The Jester from Leicester fired in breaks of 53, 108, 66 and 137 to claim four of the next five frames and secure the 5-3 win. He will face Lu Ning in the next round.

After the game, Selby credited part of his impressive record on Chinese soil to his friend Bobby Lee who he travels with.

Selby said: “Snooker can be a lonely place at times. There are a lot of tournaments and there is a lot of traveling. When I do come to China I have my good friend Bobby who lives out here. To have a companion helps to keep me relaxed and keeps my mind off snooker when I’m not playing well. When I am back home I can overanalyze everything. I think it is down to Bobby why my record in China is so good.

“I feel like I am playing better than last season. If you don’t get the results that don’t count for anything though. I feel good on the table and I feel like I am going to score every time I get a chance. I just need to get those few wins under my belt.”

John Higgins secured his place in the last 32 with a 5-1 demolition of Andrew Higginson.

Scotland’s four-time World Champion Higgins has enjoyed an eventful season so far. He won the World Cup alongside Stephen Maguire and was runner-up to Maguire at the recent Six Red World Championship in Bangkok. Next up for Higgins, this week is a last 32 clash with China’s Li Hang.

World Champion Judd Trump eased past Thai legend James Wattana by a 5-1 scoreline. While Wales’ 22-time ranking event winner Mark Williams defeated compatriot Kishan Hirani 5-1.

Source: World Snooker