Ding Junhui during the final on day 17 of the Betfred World Snooker Championship May 2, 2016.[Photo/IC]

Meanwhile a delighted Selby added: "It was a tough final and with the amount of pressure Ding is under, from China alone but to play like that. I can't imagine how he could do that.

"In the first to 18, a 6-0 lead is not a huge one, especially against someone like Ding.

"He played fantastically earlier today and I had to just hang on to him...I saved my best performance for the final and I only had two good sessions in the tournament. Luckily my 'B' game is pretty good."

Victory ensured a double sporting triumph for world number one Selby's home town of Leicester in the English Midlands on Monday.

Minutes before he completed his victory, Leicester City were crowned English Premier League football champions after nearest pursuers Tottenham Hotspur could only manage a 2-2 draw away to Chelsea.

"To be Premier League champions is a fantastic achievement and I want to say well done to (manager) Claudio (Ranieri) and the boys," said Selby.

Ding, 7-10 behind overnight, won Monday's 50-minute opening frame before taking the next on the black to cut Selby's lead to 11-10.

However, Selby won three of the next four frames to stay in front with a handy lead.

The pair then exchanged centuries to leave Selby narrowly ahead.