“EXCLUSIVE: Mark Selby Unveils Personal Battle Ahead of Sheffield World Championships”
Mark Selby is aiming to get past a difficult year and secure a remarkable fifth world championship. With the loss of a close friend and the news that his wife Vikki has breast cancer, it makes sense that the Leicester potter has struggled for form this season.
But as he attempts to finally give himself and his family something to grin about at the end of his hardest-ever season, the 22-time ranking event champion hopes to find something special in Sheffield – a joyful hunting ground during his long career.
The world No. 5 Selby made a threat earlier in the season to give up on the sport due to a disappointing stretch of performance.
But he’s hoping the world’s greatest snooker event will motivate him to win the £500,000 first prize at the Crucible.
I haven’t been enjoying playing snooker, so that’s the only reason I mentioned I might consider retiring,” Selby remarked.
I’ve always said when it gets to the point where I’m not enjoying it, well then I’ll definitely contemplate calling it a day.
“But we’ve had a lot going on off the table. Vikki’s friend Nina sadly passed away in January, who we were really close to.
It is apparent that dealing with that, as well as the week before her death, has been extremely difficult.
It’s been extremely difficult because Vikki has been experiencing health issues and I’ve wanted to be there to take care of her.
To be honest, it’s been insane, particularly since Vikki’s diagnosis a year ago. It destroyed our heads.
Though, hopefully, she’s doing well. You never think it will be you. Now that her [chemotherapy] treatment has ended, she is receiving routine check-ups.
“She’s a fighter; I’m in awe of her since she outlasted me over the whole ordeal.
I just want to make sure I have fun this year, so I have no expectations for myself.
“I’ll know that my hunger is still there if I do enjoy it. You know you have issues if you attend the Crucible and don’t enjoy the competition
However, I experienced butterflies as I approached the location, which is positive.
In the showcase final of the previous season, Belgian potter Luca Brecel defeated Selby, who last won the Crucible title in 2021, 18–15.The Jester will play Joe O’Conner, a fellow potter from Leicester who is making his Crucible debut, in the first round this morning (Sun). Their best-of-19 frame match will be decided tomorrow afternoon
Joe is too brilliant of a player not to qualify for the tournament; I’ve known him since he was nine or ten years old,” Selby continued.
But because he’s my pal, Joe was the one player I wanted to stay away from. Leicester is where we both hail from, and we both want the best for one another.
