World Snooker Championship: Kyren Wilson jokes he will always be No.2 behind ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans at Kettering

Newly crowned world snooker champion Kyren Wilson talks to Sky Sports News about his journey to becoming a Crucible Theater winner, why he wants to become world number 1 and his friendship with darts player ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans

Last updated: 05/08/24 2:26 p.m.

Kyren Wilson says he's still number 2 to Kettering's most famous sportsman, 'Rapid' Ricky Evans

Newly crowned world snooker champion Kyren Wilson talks about his journey to an emotional victory at the Crucible Theatre, why he wants to become world number 1 and his friendship with darts player ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans.

Wilson won his first snooker world championship title with a 18-14 victory over tough qualifier Jak Jones at the Crucible on Monday.

His victory was a long time coming for Wilson, 32, who had already been twice runner-up at Sheffield and the Masters, but had struggled to achieve the major breakthrough many thought was due to his prodigious talent.

Wilson beat Jak Jones to win the world snooker championship

“It hasn’t happened yet,” said Wilson, nicknamed “The Warrior.” “My phone hasn’t stopped and I think it will take a while to get there.

“Hats off to Jak, he really pushed me the whole time, but I just feel like I had to keep my emotions a secret. I had to stay nice and calm all the time and the only way I lost it was It was if I gave in emotionally, but I managed to hold myself back very well.”

Wilson’s journey to the top of the sport has been far from smooth.

He spent two years relegated to the amateur ranks after an unsuccessful first season on the tour, and considered this his last chance when he got another chance among the professionals in 2013.

His major breakthrough came when he competed in three qualifying rounds to reach and win the Shanghai Masters, becoming the lowest player in a decade to win a ranking tournament. But despite his rise to the world’s top 16, the expected title haul has been slow. future.

“My mom and dad totally sacrificed their lives all the time,” Wilson said. “They remortgaged the house several times.

“They bought an abandoned house that hadn’t been lived in for 40 years simply because they had the potential to build a pool hall in the back. So it was a beautiful moment to welcome them and celebrate this victory with me. It makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it.”

Wilson says he is looking forward to every moment of the tour next year where he aims to become world number 1.

“This world number one spot is something I would love to tick off, but it’s wonderful to now be part of history. What’s fascinating for me is looking at the number of names that have won this trophy since 1925-26 “There’s such a long history and obviously my name will be on it,” Wilson said.

“I said I wouldn’t be happy if I had won one throughout my career. I’m 32 now and coming into my prime, so now I have the first on the way, which I believe is the hardest to win, I hope there will be many more.”

Sky Sports’ Cam Hogwood explains how the World Snooker Championship could move away from the tournament’s iconic Crucible

And regarding the future of the Crucible, Wilson says he hopes “it never moves” from the Sheffield, despite a capacity of just under 1,000 people.

He said: “It’s literally in the writing, it’s pure theater in there, it’s so intense, so compact, the atmosphere is like no other.

“You can’t create the same intensity in a big, expansive venue, but I understand why it’s being talked about because there’s a massive demand for snooker right now in all parts of the world.

“It’s a great position for the game, but for me it was very important to make sure I lifted it this year, because if I ever got the chance to lift this trophy and it wasn’t at the Crucible , for me, I don’t think it would have the same effect.”

Take a look at some of Ricky Evans’ best and funniest moments from the World Darts Championship

Wilson is close friends with darts star and fellow Kettering native Evans, the fastest player on the PDC Tour.

Evans, who reached the semi-final of the UK Open this season, is known for his flamboyant outfits and accompanying music.

“It would have been great to go to the YMCA at the Crucible, but I don’t think it would have had the same impact as a darts player can have,” Wilson said with a smile.

“One of the journalists asked me this week if I would overtake ‘Rapid’ Ricky Evans as Kettering’s most famous sportsman, but then again I still think I’m Kettering’s second most famous darts player. “

Kyren Wilson faced former world champion Peter Ebdon in a charity match when he was six years old. After clearing the balls from Ebdon’s break, Ebdon told Wilson’s parents that he had the talent for a career in snooker.

Wilson’s first stint on the World Snooker Tour lasted only a year before losing his place after failing to win a main draw match. He had to wait three years before returning to the professional game, but scored a victory over Jones at Q School in 2011.

Wilson won his first ranking title in 2015 by competing in three qualifying rounds before winning the Shanghai Masters. Then ranked 54th in the world, Wilson’s 9-8 victory over Judd Trump made him the lowest-ranked player to win a ranking title in 10 years.

Wilson is a Chelsea supporter and claims a message he received from former Blues star Gianfranco Zola during one of his World Championship campaigns – which he framed in his home – is a precious possession.