Mark Selby opens up on sick troll who wanted him dead then claimed to be a big fan, as he makes snooker history
MARK SELBY has slammed the hypocritical snooker online trolls who want him DEAD one minute – and then ask for his autograph the next.
This year’s World Championship final is a real clash of styles between Selby and entertainer Luca Brecel – the Slowman versus the Showman.
But on Sunday evening, it was Selby who would delight the crowd and make history with a first ever 147 break in the showpiece.
Going into Monday's finale, he trails Brecel 9-8 after pulling back a 6-2 deficit and has every chance of lifting a fifth crown.
While the 39-year-old might not be everybody’s favourite player, there is no denying his incredible talent, which has seen him win his four world titles since 2014.
Yet he says he tries to avoid looking at his social media feed during tournaments because there is always one fool giving him hate for no apparent reason.
The Leicester Jester said: “People have got their favourites and I get that.
“Not everyone’s a Ronnie O’Sullivan fan even though he’s the greatest player who’s ever played the game and he’s great to watch. So it’s just one of those things.
“If people don’t like watching me play then I have no problem with that but don’t abuse me on social media
“You flick it on and you get the keyboard warriors who are sat behind there and they’ve never even met you in their lives.
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“And they’re slagging you off here, there and everywhere.
“They probably see you next week and want a picture and a signed programme.
“I take it with a pinch of salt. I couldn’t care less what anyone thinks. If I’m winning then it doesn’t matter.
“I get it all the time but I don’t reply. If anyone sends me a s***ty message then I mute them and off they go, they’re gone.
“I’ve never had it in real life, it’s always been online.
“There was a guy a few years ago and this guy’s gone ‘I can’t stand watching you play, I hope somebody stabs you with a rusty sword’ or something like that.
“So I’ve put back: ‘Sorry about that, but if you’re not doing anything at 1pm tomorrow I’m on again on TV.’
“Within five minutes he’s text back: ‘Ah, great banter Mark, obviously a big fan.’
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“I’m thinking hang on a minute, he wanted me dead 10 minutes ago and now he’s my best mate!
“So, I think half of them just want a reply sometimes.”