Four-time former champion Mark Selby has hinted at retirement after a disappointing 10-6 defeat to qualifier Joe O’Connor in the first round of the World Snooker Championship. Selby, who has endured a dismal season, admitted that he will have to consider his future if he is to continue playing next season.
Four-time world snooker champion Mark Selby has hinted at the possibility of retiring this year after his shock first-round exit at the Crucible. Selby, 40, lost 10-6 to debutant Joe O’Connor, marking his earliest exit from the tournament since 2018. After the match, Selby expressed frustration with his performance and admitted that he needed help on the mental side of the game. He also spoke about the pressure he puts on himself and how it has hindered his performance in the past.
Mark Selby’s hopes of a record-equaling fifth World Snooker Championship were dashed on Monday as he was eliminated in the first round by debutant Joe O’Connor. O’Connor, the only first-timer at this year’s tournament, showed nerves of steel to beat the four-time world champion 10-6. Selby, who had hinted he would consider retiring after losing to Gary Wilson earlier this month, admitted he will reassess his future in the summer.
Four-time world champion Mark Selby has suffered a disappointing 10-6 defeat to Joe O’Connor in the first round of the World Snooker Championship. This loss has raised concerns about Selby’s current form. After trailing 7-2 at the end of the first day, Selby fought back to within one frame of O’Connor. However, O’Connor held his nerve in the tense 16th frame to secure a famous victory.
Hossein Vafaei’s criticism of the Crucible after his World Snooker Championship defeat has not been well received by fellow pros, with Shaun Murphy advising him to educate himself about the sport’s history and the significance of the venue.
Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, has slammed Iranian player Hossein Vafaei for criticizing the iconic Crucible venue. Vafaei had complained about the facilities at the Sheffield venue, but Murphy defended the historic building, stating that it is “holy ground” for snooker players.
Snooker player Shaun Murphy has expressed his puzzlement over the lack of smiling among his fellow players, stating that he believes it’s “really weird” that they don’t show appreciation for the fans. Murphy, who recently advanced to the second round of the World Snooker Championship, emphasized the importance of acknowledging applause and interacting with spectators.
Shaun Murphy cruised into the second round of the World Snooker Championship with a 10-5 victory over Lyu Haotian. Murphy started strongly, extending his overnight 6-3 lead to 8-3, before Haotian won two of the next three frames. Murphy ultimately secured the victory with a break of 81, putting himself into the second round of the tournament for the first time since 2021. Stuart Bingham also made a strong start in his match against Gary Wilson, taking a 6-3 lead after the first session.
