Mark Selby suffered a shock early exit from the World Championship as debutant Joe O’Connor claimed a 10-6 victory at the Crucible. Selby, a four-time champion, started strong by winning three of the first four frames, but O’Connor managed to steady himself after the interval. Despite a late surge from Selby, including a brilliant 91 break, O’Connor held his nerve to secure the win and advance to the second round.
The defeat for Selby marks the first time since 2018 that he has been eliminated in the opening round of the World Championship. This unexpected result comes after defending champion Luca Brecel also suffered an early exit, losing to David Gilbert in a close 10-9 match. Selby needed a strong start on Monday, and while he showed moments of brilliance, O’Connor was able to maintain his composure and control the match.
Selby impressed with his play on the table, including a three-ball plant that split the reds and hinted at a potential comeback. However, a crucial missed shot allowed O’Connor to seize the opportunity and edge closer to victory. Despite Selby’s efforts to rally and force a decider, O’Connor held his nerve and clinched the win with a composed display of potting and control.
O’Connor’s victory sets up a second-round clash with either Kyren Wilson or Dominic Dale, and marks a significant milestone in his career. The debutant showed his ability to handle the pressure of the World Championship stage and outmatch a seasoned competitor like Selby. The result adds to the unpredictability of this year’s tournament, with several top players already facing early exits and new faces making their mark at the Crucible.
Fans can watch the thrilling snooker action, including the World Championship, live on discovery+. O’Connor’s win over Selby serves as a reminder of the drama and excitement that the event brings each year, with unexpected outcomes and emerging talents vying for the prestigious title. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and memorable moments from the world’s best snooker players competing for glory at the Crucible Theatre.
