Mark Selby’s retirement threat shows confidence is fickle even for the greats

Mark Selby shocked snooker fans on Tuesday by saying he could give up the game after the upcoming World Championship if he plays like he did in defeat to Gary Wilson at the Tour Championship this week.

The four-time world champion was a long way from his best at he was beaten 10-8 by the Tyneside Terror in Manchester and now has to lick his wounds before heading to The Crucible later this month.

He certainly didn’t play well, but it was surprising to hear Selby talk the way he did after defeat, saying that he could hang up the cue in a matter of weeks unless his performance improves.

‘I was pathetic from start to finish,’ he said on ITV. ‘Probably one of the worst games I’ve played as a professional. If I carry on playing like that I won’t be enjoying it and choosing a different career, for sure.’