Mark Selby has threatened to quit the sport if he keeps playing poorly. The four-time world champion, 40, suffered a painful 10-8 defeat to Gary Wilson in the first round of the Tour Championship in Manchester.

And as focus shifts towards the World Championship later this month, Selby is at a low ebb. The world No.5 admitted: “It was pathetic really from start to finish.

“If I play the same in Sheffield then I’ll call it a day. If I carry on playing like that then that will be it for sure. I felt flat out there. It’s a big comp and if you can’t get up for a comp like this then there’s something wrong.

“It’s not enjoyable playing like that. I’ve always said if I’m not enjoying it, whether I’m No.1 in the world or 128th in the world, I won’t carry on. I didn’t enjoy playing like that.

“I’m still practising and putting the work in and when you put the work in for performances like that it’s pointless really. My back up game usually gets me out of trouble, but it was amateurish. I couldn’t even see the shot.”

Former world No.1 Selby has won just two ranking titles since his fourth Crucible crown in 2021.

And he added: “I’ve had no consistency in my game. I’ve been pathetic for most of the season. I’m working hard and nothing’s happening so maybe it’s time for something else.

“I’ll go to Sheffield and give it a go and if I’m not enjoying it I won’t be able to perform so that will be me done.”

Wilson knocked in two centuries and further runs of 98, 95, 78 and 57 to set up a quarter-final with Zhang Anda.