Mark Selby says fan credited him with 'saving her life' on eve of Crucible
Mark Selby has been open about his battles with his mental health, with the four-time world champion now revealing that his openness had been helping others with their struggles
Snooker star Mark Selby has revealed an anguished fan credited him with 'saving' her life by disclosing his own battles with mental health. The 41-year-old has won four World Championships and nine Triple Crowns since turning pro in 1999.
He won the British and Welsh Open last season but was dumped out of the World Championship in the first round. The wins in Cheltenham and Llandudno ensured it was Selby's most successful season for some time.
The Englishman has now opened up on his battles with mental health. He revealed that he hit a low ebb last year as his wife Vikki underwent treatment for brest cancer.
That came around the same time as a close family friend died after being diagnosed with cancer. While Selby has tended to keep his personal struggles private, he did issue an emotional statement three years ago, which he credits with helping him through his struggles.
And his decision to go public also help to stop a fan from taking their own life. Selby has revealed that the day before this year's World Championship began, he was stopped outside the Crucible where the woman credited him with saving her life.
'I was doing a few autographs and pictures. And this girl came up to me, bless her. She only must have been in her mid-20s. She said: 'Mark, can I just say something to you?' Of course, I said," he told The Sun.
"She replied: 'I just want to say, I tried to take my own life a little while ago and hearing you speak out made me realise there's more to life – and you can get on.' So, that was quite emotional and touching, knowing that you have helped someone – because you never know what's going on behind closed doors.
'If you can help one person, that girl for example, that obviously makes it worthwhile, me speaking out. It basically saved her life. There's a lot more people going through it than what you think. And I was one of them."
Unfortunately for Selby, he suffered a shock 10-8 defeat to Ben Woolaston in the first round of the World Championship. He admitted afterwards that he had not performed at the level required.
"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," Selby said.
"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. It was tough from start to finish, I didn't play anywhere near where I can play and didn't deserve to win.
"I played poorly from start to finish. I felt like I threw so many frames away, I kept getting 30 in front and running out of position or missing a silly shot, and then Ben would come back and win the frame.
"I probably threw five or six frames away and it's disappointing because I came here with a bit of confidence and I didn't expect to play like that."
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