Kettering's Wilson admits World Championship was 'tough' after Crucible exit to Allen

The 2024 world champion was beaten 13-9 by Northern Irishman Allen on Saturday, ending his hopes of securing glory in Sheffield.

Wilson had to fight back from 6-2 down to beat teenager Stan Moody 10-7 in round one, and he then found himself 5-0 down in the first session of his second round date with Allen.

The Kettering potter, who has been enduring ongoing issues with his cue for the past few months, fought back brilliantly to actually lead 6-5, but Allen regrouped and pulled away in the latter stages to claim the victory.

“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,” Wilson told www.sportsboom.co.uk

“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.

"Any loss here is disappointing. I came here to try and win the tournament.

"Thankfully my name is on that beautiful trophy so I have ticked that box, but any time you go out is disappointing though. It was frustrating but I gave it my all."

An extra blow for Wilson, who practises out of Barratts Club in Northampton, is that his Crucible exit will see him slide down the world rankings.

Due to the sport's two-year rolling ranking system, Wilson has now lost the prize money from his 2024 worlds triumph, and has provisionally dropped from second to sixth in the rankings.

And that that position could yet slip further before the worlds are over.

Despite his troubles, Wilson has still won two big titles this season.

He won the Shanghai Masters and the Masters, but the issue for Wilson iss both of those are invitational events and the prize money doesn't contribute to the official rankings.

As well as his on-table issues, there has been plenty going on in Wilson's personal life as well, with wife Sophie enduring significant health struggles.

Wilson revealed she was set to undergo significant surgery as the World Championship began, having previously suffered a ‘silent’ stroke and been diagnosed with epilepsy shortly before his 2024 triumph.

“To have so many different variables going on, I'm proud that I managed to win two tournaments off the back of that," said Wilson.

"It's just a testament to what a winner I am really.

“My wife has obviously been through the mill a bit and 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."

Thanks to www.sportsboom.co.uk: https://www.sportsboom.co.uk/snooker/world-snooker-championship/kyren-wilson-proud-despite-crucible-exit-hails-winning-mentality