Mark Selby: Reader Q&A

Mark Selby: I was nine years old when I started playing English eight-ball pool - my dad played a lot, which got me in to it - and then quickly ended up having a go on a snooker table at the club. Willie Thorne then spotted me playing soon after and thought I had some potential, so he used to let me come down and practise for free... and it all went from there.

To be honest I've been doing it for so long that I've no idea what I'd be doing instead - probably still trying to make it as a snooker player!

MS: Being a Leicester lad I have to say Kasabian or one of the boys will kill me! No, I don't really have a single favourite band - I like all sorts of different music. I am a Bon Jovi fan though. And I'd go for the Beatles.

MS: Yes, it is something I've noticed but it's not something that's affected me as yet. As long as my results keep going in the right direction I'm not going to worry about it - it's just a natural part of my action.

MS: Not a lot! It's actually really nice being able to relax, go on holiday with my girlfriend and that sort of thing. I've just passed my driving test as well so that's been taking up some of my time - I've got a Mercedes.

I've also started getting in to other sports, particularly golf. I'm not at a very good standard yet but I'm enjoying it - in the past I've been invited to loads of golf days and have always had to say no, so it'll be good to start playing those.

MS: Oh, it's definitely not over. The class is still there - he's shown it this season in patches, and you can just see that he still has the hunger. He might be struggling through a bad patch at the moment, but once he's past it he'll be back to his best form.