Mark Selby has been embarrassed with BBC sports reporters after hinting that he will quit snooker
On April 24, 2024, according to sports editor Daniel Omi, Mark Selby saw his World Championship dream shattered by losing in the first round of the showdown with Joe O'Connor, and now he boldly admits his future in the game.
Selby hinted that he could retire this year after an unexpected exit from the World Championships. After being embraced by BBC sports journalist Rob Walker, the four-time world champion looked uncomfortable.
On Monday afternoon, the 40-year-old veteran went down in the first round of Crucible. He lost 6-10 to debut O'Connor.
It was his earliest early exit since 2018. Now, the four-time World Champion has hinted that he's ready to seriously consider the possibility of retiring.
Speaking to the BBC after the defeat to O'Connor, Selby said: "I don't know if I want to retire or not, I'm sure I'll think about it in the summer. Because in the first stage, when I had the opportunity, I felt like I was holding myself back. ”
"I tried my best today, it was all I could do, but it wasn't good enough. I just made it too easy for my opponent to get started in the first stage. I can't do this all the time, it's not good for me. Doing so makes me feel down. I tried to keep playing and it's easier to get over when you're 7-2 down because you can give it a go, but I still didn't do it. ”
"I'll sit down with my wife Vicky and talk about retirement, I know it's going to be a big decision, but if I keep competing, I do need to get a little more help mentally. Only going there and enjoying the game is what I really want to do. ”
"For me, I've always been that life-and-death personality and I've put too much pressure on myself. With what I've achieved, I should have been able to control myself, but I stopped myself from doing it every time. ”
After the interview, Walker hugged Selby, who looked a little overwhelmed. Selby was defeated by eventual champion Brecel in the final last season. His upset at this tournament is just the latest in a string of blows in the current competition.
Selby's only title in the entire season was the Champions League in his hometown of Leicester in March. He beat Joe O'Connor 3-1 in the final for £10,000.
He had no such luck this time around, falling behind 2-7 in the first stage of the Crucible game. This is not the first time Selby has questioned his future in snooker.
He was also furious after losing to Gary Wilson in the first round of the tour. Selby said: "I was pathetic from start to finish. It was probably the worst game of my career. If I keep playing like this, I'm sure I won't like it, but I don't have a choice. ”
"I'm going to try to go to the World Championships, but if I keep going like this, I'm definitely not going to keep going. I often say that it doesn't matter where I stand when I don't like it, I'll retire because I can't appreciate that style of play. (Welcome to click to pay attention to Runwu AB, please indicate the source for reprinting, thank you)