WORKING CLASS
Selby believes that his tough upbringing can help him join the elite with five world titles
It’s helped that I never had it easy and had to work for everything
MARK SELBY ENJOYS GOOD TIMES AFTER BAD
MARK SELBY believes his tough upbringing has inspired him to become a proven winner.
Now the four-time world champion is hungry to hit a welcome purple patch ahead of the World Snopoker Championship next month. Leicester potter Selby has shown glimpses of his undoubted class this season, especially when he walloped arch-rival – and player of the season – Ronnie O’Sullivan with a stunning 6-0 whitewash at the Players Championship. But the world No.5 has failed to win a major tournament this season and suffered an agonising loss in the British Open earlier in the campaign. Selby has had to scrap his way to the top in the sport and is ready to dig deep again as he chases a fifth world title.
He said: “With my upbringing, I’ve never had it easy and I’ve had to work for everything.
“I suppose that has helped me. Don’t get me wrong, you wouldn’t want everyone to have had the upbringing that I’ve had.
“It’s not been easy. In a way I respect everything that I’ve got. I had nothing in terms of money, now I’m doing alright for myself.
“I respect that and where people come from.
“You have to work hard and stay in the moment.”
Selby last won the Crucible crown in 2021 so it’s little surprise the 40-year-old would love to join the elite trio of players who have ever won the famous silverware five times – O’Sullivan, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry.
“Sometimes you try to tinker your technique throughout your career but really you just have to ride the wave,” added Selby, a 22-time ranking event winner.
“I know I’ve had a lot of purple patches when I was playing great.
“You are going to get the other side of the coin when things aren’t great and you have to be ready for it to turn around. But I know my form is there.
“I think the majority of the time, I just try to stay in the moment. I don’t look too far ahead and I don’t look too far back.
“Looking back I’ve wondered how I have felt so relaxed when I was trying to win the biggest things we play in – like the World Championship.
“Other times I could be playing in Home Nations last 64, clearing up to win 4-3 and feel really nervous.
“I think that is just where you are in your game.
“If you are confident in your game then it is easier to stay in the moment.
“When you are playing well all of the time and confident it seems to be a lot easier than when you are struggling and doubting yourself.”