Mark Selby casts doubt over his playing future following Tour Championship exit

Mark Selby admits he could walk away from professional snooker if his performances do not improve in the near future.

Selby crashed out of the Tour Championship in the First Round after a 10-8 defeat to Gary Wilson on Tuesday and described his form as “pathetic” in his post-match interview.

The four-time World Champion missed a number of chances during a scrappy defeat to Wilson at Manchester Central, marking his fourth opening round exit in a ranking tournament this season.

“I was pathetic from start to finish. Probably one of the worst games I’ve played as a professional, definitely up there,” Selby told ITV Sport.

“If I carry on playing like that I won’t be enjoying it and choosing a different career, for sure.

“Neither of us played great in the second session. Gary played well yesterday I thought and deserved his 5-3 lead.

“I was like that all match, the way I played today was like the way I played yesterday – I deserved to lose.”

Selby, whose sole ranking final appearance this season came at the British Open last August, now heads to Sheffield for the all-important World Championship in little over a fortnight.

The world number five finished runner-up to Luca Brecel at The Crucible last year and has had to contend with a number of personal issues away from the sport since.

While he confirmed his participation in the sport’s showpiece event, the Leicester ace revealed he would quit the game regardless of his world ranking if his performances do not improve.

“I’ll give the World Championships a go but if I keep playing like that I’m not going to carry on, 100 per cent,” added Selby.

“I’ve always said in interviews, when it gets to the point I’m not enjoying it, it doesn’t matter where I am in the rankings, I’ll be hanging my cue up.

“I can’t enjoy performances like that.”

WATCH THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP STREAMED LIVE

18+ | T&Cs Apply | Geo restrictions may apply | Be Gamble Aware