Masters champion Mark Selby is targeting another dream double at the Welsh Open this week.

Two years ago, the 'Jester from Leicester' followed up his Masters success by winning the Welsh crown a few weeks later.

Now he has the chance to repeat that feat after completing the first leg at Wembley 10 days ago when he beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-9 after a sensational fightback.

Selby begins his bid for Welsh glory at the Newport Centre this afternoon when he opens up against 20-year-old Judd Trump in a best-of-nine clash.

His path to the final is far from easy, with O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Shaun Murphy likely opponents as the tournament progresses.

However, the world No.7 is determined to keep the ball rolling after his Wembley heroics.

"The Masters showed my game is in great shape, and it's just been a matter of fine-tuning it during this last week," said Selby.

"I've been practising every day, and I know I've got a hard match ahead of me. I seem to have had a tough draw in every first round this season, and playing Judd is no different.

"He is young so plays with no fear, and he's been doing well in the Premier League so his confidence will be high.

"But my confidence is right up there as well. The way I won the Masters was amazing and it's done so much for my self-belief.

"I always thought I was playing well this season, even though I had a few bad defeats. But snooker is a difficult game and it can all come down to confidence.

"You can be playing really well one day, but then the next you can't pot a ball even though you're doing nothing differently.

"Winning the Masters gave me a massive lift and I hope that continues in Newport this week."

Selby's last match against Trump ended in a 5-1 win for the Leicester man during the Shanghai Masters in 2008.

Even though the 26-year-old goes into the match as the clear favourite, he is aware of the increased pressure on his shoulders. Down to 13th in the provisional rankings, Selby knows he needs to pick up points during the second half of the season to improve his chances of staying in the elite top 16.

"There is more at stake in this tournament because, if I go out early, I lose valuable points," he said. "Of course there was pressure at the Masters, but it wasn't a ranking event.

"If I lose in the first round in Wales, the Masters will suddenly seem a long way away."

Selby admits that winning the Masters has still not sunk in.

He said: "I've been practising all week so I haven't really seen anyone. It will really kick in at Newport when I see the other players and talk about it.

"It could also be a good omen for me because the last time I won the Masters I won the Welsh straight afterwards."

On that occasion, Selby beat O'Sullivan 9-8 in the final after fighting back from 8-5 down.

Having done the same to the 'Rocket' at Wembley last week, when he came back from 9-6 down to win, that dream double could be on the cards.

Selby has been invited to Leicester Town Hall for an evening with the mayor next week.