Mark Selby has opened up on a difficult time away from snooker after the recent death of close friend Nina Webb from cancer, the same disease that his wife Vikki had been diagnosed with and is recovering well from after recent positive tests.
Four-time world champion Selby admitted that he considered taking a break from the sport, having opened up on his own battle with mental health over the past two years. He revealed that he had been battling depression, but soon after winning the English Open in December 2022, Vikki was diagnosed with cancer.
She has since recovered and recent tests “looked good” but the Selby family has suffered another heartbreaking tragedy after the passing of their close friend to the same illness. “I’ve had a lot going on off the table, a few lapses from what I mentioned before with my mental health,” Selby told Metro. “We had some bad news just over a week ago. One of my best mates, Dave, his wife sadly passed away with cancer at 44. She’s got a little girl who’s 12.
“She’s best mate to Vikki, so it’s been quite tough the last two weeks. I was playing here [Leicester] in the Grand Prix but basically just wanted to pull out of the tournament, but her husband said that she wouldn’t have wanted you to do that so carry on playing, but it’s been tough. With Vikki’s treatments and scans coming up you’re obviously always a bit nervous.”
Nina’s initial diagnosis prompted Vikki to get herself tested and then diagnosed with cancer, potentially saving her life due to the early intervention. She is still waiting for further results but initial tests are proving positive, though the pair are understandably struggling after the loss of Vikki’s best friend.
“She’s good,” Selby added when asked about his wife’s condition. “She had a mammogram and ultrasound a few weeks ago and that all looked good. They gave her an MRI as well and we’re waiting on the results of that, but they were saying the mammogram and ultrasound were fine.
“Fingers crossed that comes back ok and then that’s another year until we get a scan again, but we’re still waiting so obviously it’s still a tricky time.
“She’s been stronger than me throughout it, for sure. When it was first announced I was completely blown apart. Obviously with how my mental health was before anyway, that multiplied it. She’s been the one supporting me! It should be the other way round, but people say that, it always seems to be the person going through it that’s the strongest.”
Despite his pain away from the snooker table, Selby was able to put together an incredible run to the World Championship final last year, where he was defeated by Luca Brecel. He has considered taking a break from the sport, but his career has given the 40-year-old a “purpose” and without it he would “just sit at home thinking about everything, which is no good for myself”.
