Selt eyes Grand upset

Hendry: Big upset?

I've been playing a lot with Ronnie, who is probably the best player of all time, so to go on and play Hendry in a main event is perfect.

Matthew Selt
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Matthew Selt is relishing the challenge of facing Stephen Hendry in the first round of the Grand Prix, and believes he can cause a huge shock in Glasgow.

World number 67 Selt faces arguably the most talented snooker star ever when he lines up against O'Sullivan at the Kelvin Hall on Monday night.

Romford potter Selt has been in superb form this season, qualifying for the Shanghai Masters before also coming through the tough qualifying competition for the Grand Prix.

A first round tie against seven-time world champion Hendry may not seem like an ideal reward for many, but Selt is confident he can raise his game.

Selt feels he is match-sharp after qualifying and, despite Hendry being one of the best players ever, the 24-year-old is sniffing a big upset.

Perfect

"That is the perfect draw for me," said a confident Selt. "I want to play the best people early doors and I believe I can win the match.

"It's a very, very tough draw, but I enjoy a challenge. The harder the match the better, I think. The better someone plays, the better you play. If I lose I'll be very disappointed."

Selt is a regular practice partner of Ronnie O'Sullivan, and he feels that being familiar with his game can help knock Hendry out of the Grand Prix.

"I've been playing a lot with Ronnie, who is probably the best player of all time, so to go on and play Hendry in a main event is perfect," he added.

"If I can get all these massive matches under my belt it won't do me anything but good."

The Grand Prix snooker tournament starts in Glasgow on October 3 and runs until October 11.