Mark Selby admits World Snooker Championships shock defeat has him considering retirement

Mark Selby was beaten 10-6 by Joe O'Connor in the first round at the Crucible.

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PA Sport Staff

18:57, 22 APR 2024

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Mark Selby of England reacts against Joe O'Connor of England in their first round match during day three of the Cazoo World Snooker Championship 2024 at Crucible Theatre on April 22, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Four-time world champion Mark Selby is left to contemplate his future following a shock first-round defeat in the World Snooker Championships.

Qualifier Joe O'Connor, who has long admired Selby and supported him through three of his world title triumphs, clinched a 10-6 victory after resuming with a commanding 7-2 lead from Sunday's impressive opening session. Selby, who has faced challenges both personally and professionally this season and hinted at retirement after his Tour Championship defeat to Gary Wilson, appeared out of sorts and below par throughout the match.

Despite his struggles, Selby tapped into his renowned resilience, kicking off with a break of 112 and adding a 91 to close the gap to 8-5 at the mid-session interval. O'Connor, this year's sole newcomer to the tournament, remained composed as he edged within 56 points of victory in the subsequent frame, inching closer to a remarkable win. Selby fought back with a break of 67 and looked set to tighten the scoreline further when he led by 39 points in the following frame, but a steely red down the rail from O'Connor all but sealed Selby's fate.

This upset marks the first time since 2018 that Selby has been ousted in the opening round, leading 'The Jester from Leicester' to acknowledge that he will seriously consider his career path over the summer. Speaking to the BBC, Selby said: "I'll sit down with (my wife) Vicky and see what the options are. Obviously it will be a big decision but if I do carry on playing I need help, probably 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, go out there and enjoy it and for me, it's always sort of life or death; I've always been that kind of character, putting too much pressure on myself and trying too hard."

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