Mark Selby has revealed that Ronnie O'Sullivan's enduring success at the age of 50 is inspiring him to pursue a fifth World Snooker Championship title. The 42-year-old, who has already won the UK Championship and Champion of Champions this season, believes he can emulate O'Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams by competing into his 50s.
Selby, currently tied with Higgins on four world titles, said: 'I'd like to win it once more, if possible, to get to five. It would be nice to get one more and be out there on my own on five.' He added that O'Sullivan's longevity shows that 'as long as you stay fit and healthy and still have the hunger, there's no reason why you cannot play top-level snooker at that age.'
The Jester from Leicester has been open about his mental health struggles, including depression, which led him to take a break from the World Open in China. He returned at the Tour Championship and feels that speaking out has helped him. 'If it's helped other people by speaking out, that's amazing,' he said. 'I just felt like I couldn't hold it in anymore and that I needed help.'
Selby begins his 2026 Crucible campaign on Wednesday, aiming to add to his four world titles and join the ranks of snooker's greatest champions.
