'I was emotionless' - Mark Selby says depression took joy away from World Championship win in 2016

Mark Selby has said that snooker seems «irrelevant right now» as he prepares to defend his World Championship title at the Crucible. Selby has opened up about his mental health struggles and battle with depression in recent months, and the impact that has had on his career over the past six years. Ad/> Selby won at the Crucible last year for the fourth time, adding to titles in 2014, 2016 and 2017.

Snooker'You wish you could change something' – Boiko would swap cue for gun to help Ukraine04/03/2022 AT 17:06 But he says that he felt «emotionless» after winning in 2016. “Even in my post-final interview I remember saying it had been a tough few weeks, that close friends and family would understand, I had pulled out of a couple of tournaments before that, and wasn’t even going to play in the worlds," Selby told The Sportsman. “In the end I agreed with Vikki to go and play, and that hopefully the venue and the atmosphere might perk me up rather than sitting at home.

“It felt strange winning it that year, but maybe I was feeling under no pressure. I wasn’t expecting anything from myself. “But at the end, when it should have been one of the best times in my life sharing it with Vikki and Sofia, I was emotionless, holding it up for appearances.

O'Sullivan to face Gilbert in World Championship opener, Trump faces Vafaei test Vafaei blasts 'disrespectful O'Sullivan' and urges Rocket to quit after 'numpties' rant “While I was trying to have the professional help from the doctor and play at the same time, it was not so much the actual playing that was difficult – more the sitting in your seat. When I was at the table I had things to think about and keeping your mind active. But sitting in my chair you’re in your own headspace and