Four-time world snooker champion Mark Selby considers retirement after “pathetic” defeat

Four-time world snooker champion Mark Selby suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of debutant Joe O’Connor at the Crucible Theatre, prompting Selby to question his future in the sport. The 10-6 loss to O’Connor marked the first time since 2018 that Selby has been eliminated in the first round, leading the ‘The Jester from Leicester’ to admit that retirement may be on the horizon.

Selby, who had previously expressed doubts about his career after a defeat to Gary Wilson, struggled throughout the match against O’Connor. Despite showing glimpses of his renowned fighting spirit with impressive breaks, Selby ultimately fell short against the determined qualifier.

In a post-match interview, Selby expressed his disappointment, stating, “Away from snooker I’m happy, then when I come to snooker it’s the opposite. It was pathetic from start to finish.” The defeat has left Selby contemplating his future in the sport, with retirement being a real possibility.

Meanwhile, Shaun Murphy kicked off his quest for a second world title in style with a dominant 10-5 victory over Lyu Haotian. Murphy’s commanding performance showcased his skill and determination as he advanced to the second round of the tournament.

In other Crucible action, former champion Mark Williams and Stuart Bingham also secured important wins in their respective matches. Williams narrowly edged ahead of Si Jiahui in a closely contested session, while Bingham pulled away from Gary Wilson to secure a comfortable 10-5 victory.

The World Snooker Championship has been marred by controversy, with criticism of the iconic Crucible Theatre drawing strong reactions from players. Murphy defended the venue, labeling criticism as “sacrilege” and emphasizing the importance of respecting the historic tournament location.

As the championship unfolds, the drama and excitement continue to build, with players vying for glory on the prestigious Crucible stage. Stay tuned for more thrilling snooker action as the tournament progresses.