Mark Selby has revealed that he did not want to draw Joe O’Connor in the opening round of the World Snooker Championship. O’Connor, who is the only debutant in this year’s tournament, secured his place after a challenging final qualifying match against Matt Selt. However, Selby, a four-time world champion, expressed his preference to avoid playing a friend and practice partner. Selby and O’Connor have known each other since childhood, with Selby describing O’Connor as a “nice kid” and a “great player.” Despite their friendship, both players are focused on the task at hand and are determined to come out on top.
When asked about the possibility of facing Selby in the tournament, O’Connor expressed his excitement, considering it more of a dream than a nightmare. He mentioned that playing against someone like Selby is always a significant occasion, especially since they are both from Leicester. O’Connor has looked up to Selby since he started playing snooker and has even modeled his game around him. While his ideal scenario would have been to face Selby in the final, he is equally thrilled to compete against him in the first round.
In last year’s final, Selby was defeated by Luca Brecel. However, this year, Selby is determined to make a strong comeback and showcase his skills on the snooker table. With O’Connor as his opponent, Selby faces a tough challenge, but he is ready to give it his all and see who emerges victorious. Both players share a deep respect for each other and acknowledge the significance of their match. The clash between these two Leicester lads promises to be an exciting and intense battle.
In a recent Championship League final, the debutant suffered a defeat at the hands of Selby. However, this setback has not deterred him as he sets his sights on the Crucible. With an appearance in the Scottish Open final under his belt, he believes he is well-prepared for the challenge ahead.
Confident in his abilities, the debutant states, “I feel like I’ve got a complete game, especially when I’m playing well. I have the skills to pot long balls, score points, and maintain a strong safety mindset during tough moments. This gives me a competitive edge in any match and any tournament.”
When reminded of the success of debutants Jak Jones and Si Jiahui, who reached the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively last year, O’Connor jokingly responds, “Well, then I’ll be aiming for the final!”
