Last year Brecel’s opponent in the World Cup final, now Mark Selby is thinking about quitting: “Training for this is pointless”

Statements that surprise silent enjoyers of snooker. Four-time world champion Mark Selby has indicated after a defeat that he is thinking about ending his career. The only 40-year-old Englishman played against Luca Brecel in the World Cup final last year, but now enjoys his sport little. “If things don’t go better at the World Cup, that will be my last tournament,” Selby said.

The superlative of disappointment.

Mark Selby fought to achieve a comeback against fellow countryman Gary Wilson, but he still had to pack his bags after the first round of the Tour Championship in Manchester: 10-8.

A new blow this season for the four-time world champion, who falls below his level more often than he would like.

“From start to finish it was a pathetic performance,” Selby is not fond of his performance. “I tried to fight through the match, but it was terrible.”

“If I keep playing like this, I better stop. If things don’t go better at the World Cup, that will have been my last tournament.”

I’ve always said that I’ll stop playing snooker when the fun wears off.

Mark Selby

However, the 40-year-old Englishman knows how tough the snooker top can be. For example, last year he lost a thrilling World Cup final against one Luca Brecel. But with 22 ranking titles, Mark Selby is building a rich track record.

Not for much longer?

“This is a big tournament. If you can’t prepare for it, something is wrong,” he shakes his head. “I’ve always said I’ll stop playing snooker when the fun is gone, it doesn’t matter if I’m number one in the world or number 128.”

“I still work hard for it, but training to achieve a performance like this seems pointless to me.”

So let’s wait and see how Selby performs at the world championship. That starts on April 20.