Walden springs surprise to reach Shanghai final

Ricky Walden came back from 4-1 down to beat Mark Selby 6-4 and reach the first ranking final of his career at the Shanghai Masters.

Walden's great run in China continued with victory in yesterday's first semi-final. His week has seen him defeat players with a combined total of 67 ranking event titles as he aims for his first.

His win leaves Selby with three consecutive ranking events semi-finals to his name in China but as yet to make that final break through.

"I'm thrilled to bits to be in my first final but it was a real struggle out there this afternoon. I had a bit of luck today but then I've had plenty of bad luck over my career so I think it evens itself out, but I'm happy to have some today.

For Selby it was a case of what might have been. His 4-1 lead evaporated and the Jester from Leicester was unable to halt the slide.

"Obviously I am disappointed to lose from 4-1 up. Ricky didn't perform up to that point but after that he played a lot better. I seem to do really well over here in China, I thought I had a good chance to go on and win the tournament here but it hasn't happened.

"I can't put my finger on it, I had plenty of chances but for whatever reason I couldn't take them," Selby admitted.

Other semi-final: Sullivan vs Maguire 6-5.