In the latest news on April 17, 2022, Beijing time, four-time world champion Mark Selby said in an interview after defeating Jamie Jones in the first round of the World Championships that he was satisfied with his current state because he had hardly practiced before the game. In addition to this, he felt that he was on the right path mentally. Although he had been suffering from depression before, he was very happy after coming to Crucible. Because there were many people on the scene who applauded him, on his social platform, many people also gave him messages of encouragement. Regarding the previous withdrawal, Selby believes that this is a more correct decision he has made.
Selby: I'm very happy with my form
Having been devastated by depression, Selby had previously had to take medication and help from a psychologist. Fortunately for him, his current situation is constantly improving, which has also brought about a change in his performance at this World Championship. Selby said: "Depression has been afflicting me this season and coming to Crucible I wasn't expecting anything because I hadn't practiced much before. If someone asks me what I want to get here, I just want to tell you that I just want to find a better version of myself. I just came here with a positive mindset and I wanted to be better. The game is not the most difficult thing, it is the most difficult to fight against the inner demons. My psychiatrist wanted me to play because he felt it would divert my attention and make a difference. The game against Jones made me happy because I knew it was the good form I could do at the moment. ”
Selby: I'm actively receiving psychotherapy
According to Selby, the reason why he is currently able to perform so well is due to his psychiatrist. Selby said: "I didn't play in the last two races because it was very difficult for me at the time. I worked with a psychiatrist for a while. He told me I could continue to play and work with his help, but I chose to give up. Because I felt so stressed, during that time, I wasn't in the right mental state at all. So we tried it and it didn't work out, so we decided to take a break for a while. I've had more training with him over the last six weeks and he's made my situation a little better. I'm on the right track at the moment and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr Lanka and Mark Quake of London. I got a round of applause at the game, which was fantastic. I also got a lot of support on social media and people said I was right. ”
Selby: The result of the game doesn't matter to me
While Selby had a tough time beating Jones, Selby didn't think the outcome mattered to him. Selby said: "Snooker can be a very difficult game when you are in the right mental state, and when you are in the wrong mental state, its difficulty is doubled. When I first came here to compete, I had only one thought, and that was to make me think more positively, so I felt that I should give it a try. In fact, today's results don't matter to me. As long as I go out and enjoy it, smile more, have more positive emotions. At the Crucible World Championships, I did. Whatever happens after that, what should happen will happen. And those things don't affect me, because the most important thing I'm doing right now is to make myself better. As for the outcome of the game or the state of the competition or other things, it doesn't matter to me. ”