World No1 Mark Selby has revealed he will be seeking help over the current state of his mental health. The reigning and four-time world champion appeared distracted during a surprise 6-1 Masters defeat to good friend Barry Hawkins on Friday night.
Leicester's Selby, 38, endured the trauma of losing his beloved father David when he was only 16, after his mother left the family home. And last year he admitted to suffering from depression believing the negative effects of the pandemic on normal social life to be partly responsible.
On Saturday Selby revealed on social media: "I just want to apologise to all my friends and family for letting them down. Mentally not in a good place at moment, had a relapse and trying to bottle it up and put a brave face on is not the way. I promise I will get help and be a become a better person. #mentalhealth "
Earlier Selby had said of his performance: "I don't think I could play that badly again if I tried to."
Selby is one the greats of the sport, having won a total of 20 ranking titles including his four Crucible triumphs - plus three Masters wins. WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "The WPBSA is not just a governing body, it is a members association which includes a players support body for players on the World Snooker Tour. We are always sorry to hear if any of our players are going through difficult times, support is there for Mark and any other playing member on the WST.”
All those involved in snooker wish Mark the best as he addresses his mental health and hope to see him recovered and back playing soon.
