Mark Selby, the four-time former champion, suffered a shocking 10-6 defeat to qualifier Joe O’Connor in the first round of the World Snooker Championship. This dismal loss has prompted Selby to question his future in the sport.
Selby, who has had a poor season by his own admission, failed to overcome a 7-2 overnight deficit against O’Connor. After the match, he said that he will take a break to consider his options over the summer.
“I will take a long time to think about it over the summer. Away from snooker I’m happy, then when I come to snooker it’s the opposite. It was pathetic from start to finish,” Selby said.
O’Connor, who grew up idolizing Selby, held his nerve despite Selby making a late comeback to reduce the deficit to 8-5 at the mid-session interval. O’Connor sealed the biggest win of his career with a nerveless red down the rail.
Selby’s defeat marks the first time he has lost in the first round since 2018. He admitted that he will need help to continue playing, particularly on the mental side of the game.
“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,” Selby said.
Meanwhile, defending champion Brecel crashed out of the tournament, while Shaun Murphy, Triple world champion Mark Williams and Stuart Bingham all progressed to the second round.
