Mark Selby hints at retirement after shock World Championship exit and makes bold admission about his future in the game

Mark Selby’s Snooker World Championship dream came to an abrupt end as he suffered a shock defeat to Joe O’Connor in the first round at the Crucible. The four-time world champion hinted at the possibility of retirement following his early exit, raising questions about his future in the game.

Selby, 40, expressed his disappointment after the defeat, admitting that he may need to reassess his career in the summer. He acknowledged that he had put too much pressure on himself and struggled to enjoy the game, leading to mental and emotional strain.

The snooker star’s defeat at the hands of O’Connor marked his earliest exit at the tournament since 2018, adding to a series of disappointing results throughout the current season. Despite a recent title win at the Championship League Invitational, Selby has faced challenges on the table and in his mindset.

Following his defeat to O’Connor, Selby opened up about his struggles and the possibility of seeking help to improve his mental approach to the game. He emphasized the importance of enjoying snooker and finding a balance between competitiveness and relaxation.

As Selby contemplates his future in snooker, fans and pundits alike are left wondering about the next steps for the seasoned player. Will he bounce back from this setback, or is retirement on the horizon for the former world champion? Only time will tell as Selby reflects on his performance and considers his options moving forward.