Kyren Wilson has opened up about the impact of his wife Sophie's health issues on his snooker career after being knocked out of the World Snooker Championship by Mark Allen 13-9 on Saturday. The 2024 champion admitted that personal difficulties had affected his form at the table.
Personal Struggles Behind the Scenes
Wilson, 34, revealed that his wife Sophie Lauren was due to undergo surgery as the tournament began, having previously suffered a stroke and been diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite the challenges, he expressed pride in his achievements this season.
“To have so many different variables going on, I'm proud that I managed to win two tournaments off the back of that. It's just a testament to what a winner I am really,” he told SportsBoom.
“My wife has obviously been through the mill a bit, I haven’t seen her for over a week now. I’m just going to spend a bit of time with my wife, my kids. I miss my dog. Once I do settle down, you'll see the best version of me again.”
Form and Future Prospects
Wilson beat youngster Stan Moody in the first round but could not get past Allen, who won four of the six frames on Saturday to reach the last eight for a sixth time. The 34-year-old has struggled for form this season, failing to win any ranking titles, though he pocketed £210,000 by winning the Shanghai Masters and £350,000 from triumphing at The Masters.
He looks set to drop from world No.2 to No.6 when the action in Sheffield concludes. “I felt I could win the world championships because I feel like I've got that determination and that all round game, but I knew it was gonna be a struggle,” he said.
“I knew I was never gonna win it easily. Like when I won it in 2024, I felt like I kind of just coasted through it. I really played strong snooker right from the off.
“Round one against Stan was tough. Session one against Mark was tough. It's just been a real tough outing for me for this tournament.”
Praise for Mark Allen
Wilson was gracious in defeat, praising Allen, the 2009 and 2023 semi-finalist who is searching for his first World Championship title. “Mark is one who I'm always rooting for, he is a great lad, down to earth. I said to him 'you've got every chance of winning it'. We all know what a battler he is and I would love to see him win it,” Wilson added.
