Mark Selby’s hopes of a fifth World Snooker Championship title were dashed on Monday afternoon as he suffered a shock 10-6 first-round defeat to debutant Joe O’Connor.
The 40-year-old, who has won the title four times, looked uncomfortable from the outset and never really recovered from a poor first session which saw him trail 7-2.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Selby admitted that he was struggling mentally and hinted that he could retire at the end of the season.
“I don’t know, I’ll definitely still review in the summer,” said Selby. “Because that first session I felt like I stopped myself from playing when I had my chances.
“I tried today and that’s all I can do, but just not good enough. I just made it too easy for him in the first session. I can’t keep doing that, it’s no good for me. It makes me ill and gets me down mentally.
“I’ll sit down with Vikki and see what the options are, I know it will be a big decision, but if I do carry on playing then I do need help on the mental side a little bit more. Just to go out there and enjoy the game, that’s all I want to do.
“For me it’s always life or death, I’ve always been that sort of character, putting too much pressure on myself and trying too hard. With what I’ve achieved I should be able to just go out there and play but I stop myself doing it every time.”
It is not the first time that Selby has questioned his future in the sport. He was also left furious after a defeat to Gary Wilson in the first round of the Tour Championship in March.
Selby said at the time: “I was pathetic from start to finish. Probably one of the worst games I’ve played as a professional. If I carry on playing like that I won’t be enjoying it and choosing a different career, for sure.
“I’ll give the World Championships a go but if I carry on like that I won’t carry on, 100%. I’ve always said, when it gets to the point I’m not enjoying it, it doesn’t matter where I am in the rankings, I’ll be hanging my cue up. I can’t enjoy performances like that.”
