Mark Selby says it’s “maybe time to do something else” after losing 10-8 to Gary Wilson in the first round of the Tour Championship.
Four-time world champion Selby, 40, won the Championship League in March, but has largely struggled due to inconsistent form this term.
“I battled but it was terrible. If I carry on playing like that, that will be it for me for sure,” said Selby.
His only ranking final came at the British Open in October.
“I’ve always said if it gets to a point where I stop enjoying it and it doesn’t matter whether I am number one in the world or 128, I won’t carry on playing,” added Leicester-born Selby.
“I am putting the work in, but then if you are putting it in for performances like that it seems pointless really.”
Selby has fought to overcome well-documented mental health issues during his career and recently spoken of other personal struggles, external away from snooker, due to the death of a family friend from cancer – the same illness his wife Vikki has battled against.
“I felt flat out there,” he said. “It is a big competition and if you can’t get yourself up for competitions like this there is something wrong.
“My performances this year have been like night and day. There has been no consistency. I started the season off OK and then was pathetic midway through. You think you’ve found something and the next game you are back to where you were.
“It is not enjoyable. I am putting the work in and working hard and nothing is happening so maybe it is time to do something else.
“If I put in the same performance in Sheffield [at the World Championship] that will be me done.”
