Mark Selby is hoping to become the first ever player to win two Home Nations tournaments in the same season after his 6-2 semi-final triumph over David Gilbert at the 19.com Scottish Open.

The Jester from Leicester was at his polished best in easing past the world No.12 at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, hitting his potting straps with breaks of 132 and 84 to book a date with destiny against Jack Lisowski in the final.

It was a game marred by early controversy, however, with the cue ball being changed after two frames following complaints from both players about its weight on the table.

But the three-time world champion overcame those difficulties with aplomb, delivering a near flawless performance to place him on the verge of Home Nations history following his 19.com English Open crown - sealed against Gilbert - in October.

“I felt after the first two frames I played more or less a faultless match - I didn't really do too much wrong and didn’t miss anything,” the 36-year-old said.

“We changed the white because we both thought strange things were happening - it was a little bit light so it was tough, but mentally I was in a good state of mind after playing two scrappy frames and winning them both.

“The first two frames was the difference between winning and losing the match - David had a few good chances and didn’t really punish me.

“I feel as though I’ve played better as the tournament’s gone on, and hopefully that can improve and I can play better tomorrow.

“Obviously nobody has ever won two Home Nations events in a calendar season, so that’s the target for me heading into tomorrow.”

It was disappointment for the 2019 Betfred World Championship semi-finalist, however, extending his wait for a ranking event victory after his Crawley defeat to Selby and losing in the opening round of the Betway UK Championship in York.

But as he prepares to make his Dafabet Masters debut in January, the Tamworth-based potter was able to take considerable confidence from his showing in Glasgow.

“At least I’ve enjoyed playing again this week - I’m really looking forward to the Masters and I’ll be trying my best to qualify for the German and European Masters next week and then have a good Christmas,” the 38-year-old said.

“I’ve never been to the Masters but everyone tells me how mental it is - there are a lot of people there watching so it will be completely different to anything I’ve ever experienced.

“My game is going to have to be in tip-top condition and I’m going to have to feel good, so hopefully I can go there and do myself justice.”

Watch the Scottish Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport Player and Quest with studio analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White