Mark Selby admits he could still quit snooker and will discuss with his wife after crashing out of World Championship

8 months ago 61

MARK SELBY has crashed out of the World Snooker Championship in the first round after recently threatening to quit the sport.

The four-time world champion has been dumped from the competition at the hands of a tournament debutant.

Mark Selby has been knocked out of the World Snooker Championship[/caption]

Fellow Leicesterman and tournament newbie Joe O’Connor got the better of Selby[/caption]

Selby lost 6-10 to fellow Leicester potter Joe O’Connor after he left himself far too much to do following his Sunday morning session.

The 40-year-old was trailing 7-2 heading into today’s second session, but despite a late fight back was unable to turn things around.

Despite saying an early goodbye to the Crucible in the first round, it’s still not his worst performance at the World Championship after his round one 10-3 demolition defeat at the hands of Barry Hawkins in 2014.

The exit is no laughing matter for the Jester from Leicester who has threatened to call quits on his career in recent weeks.

Selby said he was considering hanging up his cue after what he described as a “pathetic” 10-8 loss to Gary Wilson in the first round of the Tour Championship earlier this month.

And he has reiterated that he may still call an end to his time at the table after his early exit this afternoon.

When asked about his future in Snooker on BBC Two after his loss, he said: “I don’t know [If i will quit], I’ll definitely still review in the summer.

“Because that first session I felt as though I stopped myself from playing as well when I had my chances and I can’t keep doing that.

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“Obviously it’s no good for me and it makes me ill and obviously it gets me down mentally as well.”

The 22-time ranking title winner went on to explain that he would discuss his future in the sport with his wife.

He added: “I’ll sit down with Vikki [my wife] and see what the options are.

“I mean obviously it will be a big decision but If i do carry on playing then I would need help, obviously, on the mental side of it a little bit more.

“Just to go out there and enjoy the game. That’s all I want to do, just go out there and enjoy it.

“And for me it’s always sort of life or death – I’ve always been that sort of character.

“I always put too much pressure on myself and try too hard. With what I have achieved I should just be able to go out there and play but I stop myself from doing it every time.”

Things away from life under the intense lights of snooker aren’t easy for Selby either and his turbulent form and frustration can be understood.

The star has spoken openly about his wife Vikki’s battle with cancer and the way it has impacted him and his family.

Speaking to the Express: “Vikki’s been suffering with her health and I’ve wanted to be there to care for her, so it’s been tough, really tough.

“It’s been madness to be honest, especially with Vikki’s diagnosis last year. It blew our heads apart. You never think it’s going to be you, but touch wood she’s good.

“She’s finished her [chemotherapy] treatment and she’s having regular checks. She’s a warrior, she amazes me because she was stronger than me when it all happened.

“So, this year, I’ve not set any expectations on myself, I just want to make sure I enjoy myself. If I do enjoy it then I’ll know that my hunger is still there.

“If you come to the Crucible and don’t enjoy the tournament, well then you know you’ve got problems.

“But I had butterflies driving up to the venue, which is a good sign.”