Mark Selby, the ‘Jester from Leicester’, is anything but a joker. The snooker star, who exudes a calmness at odds with his high pressured profession, is once again planning his yearly assault on World Championship glory. Soar Magazine caught up with this unassuming, yet gifted young lad from New Parks, for an exclusive interview about his loves, his life and his Leicester…

Where did your passion for snooker come from and how did you begin playing?
I started with English pool in the pub and my father used to play when I was younger. Snooker would have been difficult for me to play at a young age, so I didn’t start until I was nine. I’ve never looked back, playing everyday since then.

Who were your heroes in the game?
I’d have to pick out Stephen Hendry. He is a winner and his hunger for the game is incredible, even today. I admired that and his style of play.

You’ve come so close to winning the World Championship. What do you feel you need to change, if anything, to lift the trophy?
I’ve proved to people that I have the game to lift the trophy. Getting to the final and the semi-final were achievements. Three years ago, I felt physically and mentally drained in the final, where as John Higgins, who had been there before, was prepared. You do need a little bit of luck and sometimes it’s out of your hands, but I definitely feel I have what it takes to be a World Champion.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has spoken about boredom within the game. Do you retain the love you had as a child for snooker?
My hunger for the sport is still there. At times I feel just like the kid I was, starting out in the sport and I know there’s plenty left for me to achieve. Someone like Ronnie, who has achieved so much, has more of a challenge getting motivated than I do. It could be a case of ‘been there, done that’ for him.

What are your thoughts on the changes that Barry Hearn has made as part of snooker’s revamp?
It’s been immediate, drastic and I’m fully supportive of what Barry has done. Last year we only had seven tournaments and this year Barry has put on 19, with us barely having a break. As far as being a professional goes, I never really felt like one before as we would play for just six months of the year. You only have to look at what Barry has done for darts to see that the future is exciting for snooker.

I also think the introductions are great. I love playing snooker in front of audiences and that helps to motivate me. My intro music, by Kasabian, is great. I know Chris from the band and have spoken to the others before, but I’ve not been to watch them, which is a bit naughty, so I’ll have to go soon.

What other sports do you enjoy? I’ve noticed from your blog that you’ve taken up running…
Well, I have started and I’m trying to keep to that. People know that I love football too. My dad was a huge Leicester City fan and he got me in to them. Leicester is in my blood and I care a great deal about the place and the people. Given any opportunity, I try to raise the profile of the city.

You’ve never hidden your love for your hometown have you?
I was born and bred here and I have some fantastic memories of Leicester. My father passed away when I was 16, but I remember doing a lot with him and I won’t forget any of that. Those memories are all focused around Leicester. The people have always supported me tremendously and I feel the city is very welcoming.

Everything in Leicester is getting better and better. With the football club’s recent takeover, the Tigers dominating and the redevelopments in the centre of Leicester, it truly is a great city.

You play pool and so does your girlfriend, Vicki. Does it help that you share the same interests?
Our relationship is great and she gives me incredible support. Vicki knows what it takes for me to do what I do, so that does help. It can be difficult for her, as I’m away a lot, but when we are together it is quality time, which we really enjoy. She never moans about what I do and she’s always there for me, which I’m grateful for.

You played a frame against Leicester City defender, Jack Hobbs last season. Tell us more…
I put my name to the NSPCC and I try to help any charities I can. There was an article in the Leicester Mercury, which Jack must have seen, and it prompted a bidding war to play a frame against me! Jack won the auction and I remember thinking ‘Jack Hobbs? It can’t be the Jack Hobbs.’ Anyway, it was. We had a great day and played for hours, instead of just one frame. He was decent too, enjoys the game and we’ve stayed in touch.

A word on Mukesh, your manager. Talk to us about his influence on you…
I’ve been with Mukesh for around four years now and we’re really good friends too. We spend time together socially away from the game, which I think is important, especially when you have a day off between games in a tournament. Also, with him being an ex-professional, he can appreciate what I’m going through, as opposed to some managers who wouldn’t be able to give me the feedback I need.

What can your fans expect to see from you in the coming 12 months?
I take things one day at a time. The World Championships are a while away and with Barry’s revamp of the sport there is a lot of snooker to be played. I must stay focused and with the ranking system changing the pressure is really on the players now.

If anyone can cope with that pressure, play with a smile on their face and strive for glory, it’s the ‘Jester from Leicester’, who worryingly for his opponents, is still very serious about winning.

Mark Selby is proud to be an ambassador and patron for LOROS, a patron for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Trust and a patron for Home Start, a Leicester based charity offering support to underprivileged families.

SUIT YOU, SELBY

Mark Selby recently linked-up with Leicester-based tailors, Head & Griffiths, in a partnership that will see Selby wearing their threads on social occasions.

Selby said: “I’m keen to work with a Leicester company and Dominic and his team have kindly provided me with some top-class suits to wear.”

He added: “Head & Griffiths are hoping to create some bespoke shirts and suits for me to wear during games, which is a pretty exciting development as it’s often difficult to find something that looks smart, but offers the comfort required for a sporting scenario.”

Dominic Shaw, Creative Director of Head & Griffiths is delighted with the opportunity to work with Mark.

“He’s a great personality, an ambassador for Leicester and gives so much back to the community. We didn’t hesitate to set this up with Mark and we’re really looking forward to working together.”

For more information on Head & Griffiths, based in De Montfort University’s Innovation Centre, call 0116 207 8825.