Snooker star Joe O’Connor walks the WRONG way on Crucible debut and almost heads out of the famous arena

SNOOKER star Joe O’Connor nearly got his Crucible debut off to a nightmare start… by walking the wrong way as he was introduced to the crowd.

O’Connor, 28, qualified for his first World Championship last week by beating Matthew Selt 10-8 in a dramatic qualifier.

Instagram / worldsnookertour

Joe O’Connor looked nervous as he prepared for his Crucible debut[/caption]

Instagram / worldsnookertour

O’Connor, 28, walked the wrong way[/caption]

Instagram / worldsnookertour

He then sheepishly smiled as he corrected himself[/caption]

During the match, he survived the second longest frame in snooker history to triumph.

The up-and-coming ace was rewarded for his efforts with an exciting clash with fellow Leicester-born star Mark Selby.

While four-time world champion Selby, 40, is a Crucible stalwart at this stage of his career, O’Connor is still very much learning his surroundings.

As the world No.30 waited to be introduced to the Sheffield crowd, he stood nervously clutching his cue.

When his time to walk out came he began striding forwards, only to quickly realise that he had gone the wrong way.

He then turned around to walk in the right direction, wearing a sheepish grin on his face as “Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco blared out of the speakers.

As he made his way out, O’Connor waved to the adoring Sheffield crowd.

It was then Selby’s turn to be introduced, and the “Jester from Leicester” was cool as a cucumber as he strolled into the arena.

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Last year’s runner-up is making his 20th consecutive appearance at the World Championship, illustrating the gap in experience between the two competitors.

O’Connor had revealed his excitement regarding playing at the Crucible on social media the night before.

He wrote on X: “My First Match Ever At The Crucible Starts Tomorrow!

“Against Mark Selby at 10am! Cant wait to get out there!”

PA

Mark Selby was cool as a cucumber as he entered the Crucible[/caption]