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Mark Selby speaks out on 'pathetic' World Snooker Championship exit after throwing ball

Mark Selby was beaten 10-8 by Ben Woollaston in the first round of the World Snooker Championship, with 'the Jester from Leicester' admitting he was left feeling "angry"

[Mark Selby]

Mark Selby was angry at himself for his "pathetic" performance(Image: (Image: BBC))

Mark Selby has confessed he found it difficult to manage his feelings during a nail-biting World Snooker Championship loss at The Crucible.

The Leicester ace was defeated by his good mate Ben Woollaston in a thrilling match in Sheffield. Selby, who is known for his composure, was visibly upset with his own showing in the 10-8 defeat and later slammed his performance as "pathetic".

In a moment of frustration after losing the 13th frame, the four-time world champion flung the yellow ball across the table, an unusual outburst of emotion on the green baize.

Selby acknowledged after the game that he didn't merit victory. He became the third past Crucible victor to exit in the opening round, following Neil Robertson and current champion Kyren Wilson, reports the Express.

The 41-year-old said: "I didn't deserve to win. 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.

[Ben Woollaston]

Ben Woollaston in action against Mark Selby at the Crucible(Image: Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images)

"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."

He shared with the BBC: "It was tough. From start to finish I didn't play anywhere near where I can play. I probably didn't deserve to win throughout the match the way I played.

"I was poor from start to finish and Ben played well, he played some good match snooker. His safety was second to none."

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When questioned about his struggle to control his emotions during the game, Selby said: "I just felt like I threw so many frames away.

"I kept getting 30 in front and running out of position or missing a silly shot. Ben would come back and win the frame.

"I probably threw five or six frames away. Just disappointing, you know, because I came here with a bit of confidence and I didn't expect to play like that."

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For the second year running, Selby has been knocked out of the World Championship by a fellow Leicester player. Last year, he lost 10-6 to qualifier Joe O'Connor.

Ronnie O'Sullivan, on punditry duty, suggested Selby's irritation might be due to a new cue tip. "We don't know if he's got a new tip on, but if he has then it can be a kind of excuse."

The Rocket, fresh from his first-round victory over Ali Carter, added: "We don't know but I am assuming it is as there have been so many mistakes from him.

[Mark Selby]

Mark Selby was well below his best(Image: (Image: Getty))

"When he left that yellow over the pocket it was a complete mis-hit, which he never, ever does.

"When your tip is not right, your confidence goes, you just start to lose confidence in your cue and tip, and it can just get worse and worse.

"He's annoyed, he's frustrated, he's just angry. You never normally see that with Selby."

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