Four time champion Mark Selby issued a brutal self assessment after crashing out 10-8 to practice partner Ben Woollaston on April 24. “Pathetic from start to finish,” Selby told reporters, lamenting a single break above 40 and persistent cue tip problems that blunted his trademark safety dominance. The Leicester legend has now suffered consecutive first round eliminations, an alarming slide he blamed on technical tinkering that left him searching for rhythm throughout a tense closing session.
Woollaston, ranked 44, capitalised on Selby errors with cool clearances and drew plaudits from pundits for standing firm in prolonged tactical exchanges usually owned by the former number one. The qualifier converted six of eight chances and sealed victory with a nerveless run of 63 after Selby jawed a straightforward red to middle. Woollaston hailed the win as the pinnacle of his career and credited months of sports psychology sessions for newfound composure.
Selby’s frustration was visible as he left the arena without his customary post match practice. He acknowledged cue tip issues had undermined confidence yet refused to use equipment as an excuse, praising Woollaston’s tactical acumen. Analysts observed Selby’s average shot time rose to 27 seconds, four above his tournament norm, evidence of indecision that crept into his usually clinical shot selection.
The defeat compounds a difficult season that included early exits at the UK and Masters, though Selby remains resolute about a return to elite level, noting that John Higgins recently bounced back from a similar slump to claim consecutive ranking trophies.
For Woollaston, a second round date with Si Jiahui offered further opportunity to enhance a late blooming career that until this week lacked a marquee Crucible moment.
