- Mark Selby described his performance as ‘pathetic’ after his shock defeat
- Ben Woollaston stunned the fourth seed 10-8 to set up a last 16 tie with Si Jiahu
Snooker star Mark Selby hit out as his ‘pathetic’ performance after he was upset by Ben Woollaston in the opening round of the World Snooker Championships.
Four time world champion Selby, 41, was one of the favourites going into the tournament but was stunned by fellow Leicester native Woollaston in a contest which went on past midnight.
Woollaston, 37, whose only professional title came at the minor-ranking third Players Tour Championship in 2011, stunned the fourth seed 10-8.
Selby had held a slim 5-4 lead ahead of last night’s deciding session in Sheffield but Woollaston won all but three frames to reach the second round, in what is only his second appearance at the main tournament.
The world No. 44 is competing at the crucible for the first time since 2013 and will face former semi-finalist Si Jiahu.
Following his shock defeat, Selby said: ‘I didn’t deserve to win.
Mark Selby criticised his ‘pathetic’ display at the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield
Selby, 41, was one of the favourites going into the tournament but was stunned by fellow Leicester native Woollaston (pictured) in a contest which went on past midnight
Selby had held a slim 5-4 lead ahead of last night’s deciding session against Woollaston
‘Ben played some great stuff, his safety was unbelievable at times but I still had my chances. It was pathetic really from me, to play like that is disappointing.
‘It’s the same old story, I try too hard and stop myself from playing. I love Ben to bits, I’ve known him for years. I grew up with him and have seen him progressing.
‘To finish off the season like that has put a dampener on the season. My goal going forward is to win more Triple Crown events.’
Meanwhile, Woollaston hailed the victory as the biggest of his career.
‘I got to the final of the Welsh Open and my biggest win was beating [Mark] Williams in Wales and it was packed, but this is bigger.
‘I know I’m pretty good tactically, but Mark [Selby] is the best at that. I stayed pretty tough in the safety battles and that’s what won me the match.’
He added: ‘I’m in shock really.
‘I never thought this day would come, winning a match at the Crucible, and against Mark, who except for Ronnie O’Sullivan is probably the king of the Crucible in recent times. It’s an amazing win for me.’
Woollaston, competing at the crucible for the first time since 2013, will now face Si Jiahu
Selby is one of the biggest stars of his generation and was last world champion in 2021
Luca Brecel beat Ryan Day, coming back from 5-1 down, to reach the last 16 on Thursday
Earlier on Thursday, former champion Luca Brecel beat Ryan Day 10-7, coming back from 5-1 down, to reach the last 16.
After the loss, Day, 45, admitted his best days were past him.
‘Even with a 5-1 lead I was looking over my shoulder and not looking forward. I’m just not over-confident and I’m definitely not the player I once was,’ he said.
‘I turn up and play and try. I’ve been doing it a long time so it’s obviously a lot closer to the end than the beginning. I would’ve beaten myself up the way I played if that had been a couple of years ago, but I’ve come to terms with it.
‘I still like competing, I just haven’t got the game that I had. As long as I’m on the tour I will still play and make a living out of it. I need to try to do something different [in matches] but I can’t see my game really improving much.’
