'Retirement was a genuine consideration for me

Four-time world champ Mark Selby almost quit snooker but as his form returns he’s up for the Masters, says Luke Baker

- Luke Baker

Mark Selby's record in the Masters makes for a puzzling read. In his first seven appearances at one of snooker's most prestigious events, which makes up one-third of the sport's triple crown, he made the final on five occasions, winning it three times, including on his debut in 2008. But after reaching the 2014 final, where he lost to fierce rival Ronnie O’Sullivan, Selby hasn’t won more than a single match in any of the 10 editions since.

For a man who is renowned for his consistency, and regarded by many as the toughest match-player in the history of snooker, it’s a truly baffling run of results – especially as he says he relishes the famously raucous atmosphere at Alexandra Palace.

“It really has been a game of two halves for me,” smiles Selby, referencing his bizarre Masters record by stealing a phrase that players from his beloved Leicester City have probably used plenty of times over the years. But it’s a great competition to be involved in – only the best 16 players in the world are there and I’m one of those. The atmosphere is always really good as well.

“I guess the reason I haven’t done well recently is that every match could be a final because the quality of the opponent is so high. It’s the best of the best and you don’t have to do too much wrong to be losing. On the other side, that shows how well I did do to get to five finals in seven seasons. It makes that achievement more impressive because I haven’t done well there recently.”