Mark Selby weighing up retirement after World Snooker Championship exit - 'You may see me next year, you may not'

ByBen Snowball

Published 22/04/2024 at 19:23 GMT

Four-time world champion Mark Selby admitted he could walk away from snooker after losing to debutant Joe O'Connor at the World Snooker Championship. Speaking to Eurosport after the 10-6 defeat, Selby said he had "not really enjoyed" the season and would "need help" should he decide to continue playing. It comes after Selby hinted at retirement after a "pathetic" loss earlier in April.

Mark Selby has again cast doubt on his snooker future after losing in the World Championship first round, saying "you may see me next year, you may not".

The four-time world champion bowed out 10-6 to debutant Joe O'Connor on Monday to cap off a difficult season that has seen him reach just one ranking event final.

In February, Selby opened up about a "tough" time away from the snooker table as his wife Vikki battled cancer, while also losing a close friend to the disease.

World Championship

Jones pots red, raises question of a push shot

00:01:23

|

2 hours ago

He then hinted at retirement after a "pathetic" defeat to Gary Wilson in the first round of the Tour Championship in April, with the 40-year-old repeating his claim that he could walk away the sport after his earliest exit at the Crucible since 2018.

Asked by Eurosport reporter Rachel Casey if he had reached a decision about his future, Selby said: "Not yet. I definitely will sit down with Vikki over the summer and decide what I want to do going forward.

"Most of this season I've not really enjoyed it at all and that's not me. I'm enjoying the practice side but then when I come to the competitive side, I'm just stopping myself from playing and not taking the shackles off.

"Every time I get beat, I feel as though I've got to beat myself and the opponent – and the game is hard enough just trying to beat the opponent.

"If I decide to carry on, then I'll probably need to seek help somewhere to try and overcome that hurdle. And if I don't, then obviously I'll choose to do something else."

• Selby forced to play 'very unpleasant' shot with ridiculously long cue
• O’Sullivan’s 'extra gear' makes him favourite for Crucible glory - White

'Biggest win of his life!' - O'Connor holds nerve to complete Selby upset

It is the first time since 2018 that Selby has lost in the first round at the Crucible.

He reached the final 12 months ago, losing to Belgium's Luca Brecel, who also crashed out at the first hurdle against David Gilbert on Saturday.

Reminded that there were examples of players taking time away from the sport and returning, Selby continued: "I've had a lot going on off the table as well – I sort of dismiss that and obviously you shouldn't.

"But I'll have a few weeks to reflect now, play a little bit of golf very badly, enjoy the summer if we have one… I'll go away, sit down with Vikki, spend some family time.

"You may see me next year, you may not."

- - -

Stream top snooker action, including the World Championship, live on discovery+

World Championship

'Snooker gods for you having their fun' - Bingham pots red and goes in-off

00:00:30

|

2 hours ago

World Championship

'Great shot' - Jones pots long red into the green pocket

00:00:30

|

2 hours ago

World Championship

Bingham makes first century of semi-final against Jones

00:02:29

|

an hour ago