Mark Selby has credited his wife Vikki with saving his snooker career, describing her as his “rock” during difficult times. The four-time world champion, who lost this year’s final to Luca Brecel, said health was more important than the game, referencing both his own struggles and Vikki’s challenges.
Vikki Layton, a former international pool player and captain of Ireland for 10 years, met Selby at the World Pool Championships in 2006. Her experience in high-level sport helped their relationship thrive. “She knows what it takes to get to the top and what you have to do,” Selby told the BBC.
Beyond snooker, Vikki helped Selby through personal hardships. His mother abandoned him at age eight and his father died of cancer when he was 16. Selby initially struggled to talk about his mother leaving but gradually opened up to Vikki. He became close with her family, dedicating his 2016 world title to his late father-in-law.
Selby’s mental health has also been a challenge. In January, he apologised on social media for letting friends and family down, saying he was “mentally not in a good place.” Vikki has been a constant support, keeping him positive during a neck injury last year that threatened his career.
Selby said he would take Vikki to every tournament if financially possible, as she brings him luck. “When she’s not there, I’ve not done so well,” he told the BBC. The couple married in 2011 and have a daughter, Sofia, born in 2014.
