Despite an inexplicable season that has seen him make only one semi-final and a handful of quarter-finals, Kyren Wilson is still considered a threat at this year’s World Snooker Championship. The 32-year-old has compiled an impressive 61 centuries this season, second only to Judd Trump, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability. However, Wilson acknowledges that luck has not been on his side, resulting in disappointing tournament exits. ‘It’s mad, it doesn’t add up. I keep looking at it and thinking, what’s that? It’s like someone has put the numbers in wrong,’ Wilson told Metro. ‘It’s been a strange year, it’s just little bits of ball run that’s turned it. It’s crazy little strange things, but I’m quite patient, I believe it’s a bit of a cycle and your turn will come back round.’ Wilson is not being touted as a favorite for the title this year, which suits him just fine. ‘It’s nice to go under the radar sometimes, that’s how my junior career always went,’ he said. ‘I was never mentioned, it was always different names ahead of me and I’d end up walking away with the trophy. ‘Hopefully I can replicate my junior days and maybe take a few people by surprise this year. The main thing for me this year is my scoring power is still there. As long as you’re scoring you always give yourself a chance.’ Wilson will face a tricky first-round match against Dominic Dale, a 52-year-old veteran who is making his return to the Crucible after a decade-long absence. Wilson recognizes Dale’s resurgence this season and anticipates a challenging encounter. ‘Tough draw,’ he said. ‘A resurgence of form this year, he’s really had a good season and I know he’s admitted that he’s put more time in. I know he’s done a lot of broadcasting and commentary but he’s dedicated a bit more time to practice. No surprise he’s qualified, it’s going to be a tough test.’ Wilson is a staunch advocate for keeping the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, despite suggestions to move it elsewhere for financial gain. ‘I get why people are saying go elsewhere for more prize money and to get more fans in, but I think it will lose its appeal a little bit,’ he said. ‘I think the tightness, the compactness, the edginess of the Crucible, I think that adds to the test of being a world champion. I hope it stays.’ Wilson’s love for the Crucible is evident, describing it as ‘mega’ and his favorite tournament. The World Snooker Championship provides Wilson with an opportunity to showcase his resilience and prove that his impressive scoring form can lead to tournament success.
Kyren Wilson Flies Under the Radar Amidst Puzzling Season
