Kyren is set for a last-eight showdown with rival Trump

The Kettering snooker star has reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship for a fifth year in a row
Kyren Wilson in action during his win over Martin Gould at the Crucible. Picture courtesy of World Snooker TourKyren Wilson in action during his win over Martin Gould at the Crucible. Picture courtesy of World Snooker Tour
Kyren Wilson in action during his win over Martin Gould at the Crucible. Picture courtesy of World Snooker Tour

Kettering's Kyren Wilson admits Judd Trump isn’t on his Christmas card list after setting up a quarter-final clash with the reigning world champion in dramatic fashion.

The 28-year-old held off a spirited comeback from Martin Gould to triumph 13-9 and seal a spot in the last eight for the fifth successive year.

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Long-standing rival Trump awaits in the next round and the pair aren’t best buddies after the Bristolian’s jibe following Wilson’s 10-9 win in the final of the 2018 Shanghai Masters.

People are saying Kyren’s the next up-and-coming star but he’s nearly my age and has won nowhere near what I’ve won,” Trump said at the time.

So Wilson, who has won seven of the pair’s 15 meetings on the tour, won’t be grabbing a socially-distanced coffee with his rival in Sheffield anytime soon.

“Judd and I won’t ever be best friends,” said Wilson, whose clashed with the defending champion gets under way this morning (Monday).

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“That’s going to be really good for both of us going forward - you obviously want to get the better of the other player and we’re very competitive.

“He came through the juniors just before me and was at the top of the tree when I was making my way.

“Judd obviously wasn’t keen on losing at the Shanghai Masters - I wouldn’t be - and you hold onto those losses and want to get your own back.

“He’s world number one, he’s won the Triple Crown now and once you’ve won that, you can go down on the greatest list. That’s obviously my aim.

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“I’ve proven myself over longer formats with Judd and it’s going to be really fun. We’ve not yet played here and hopefully there will be more battles in the years to come.”

It had been an eventful week for Wilson before he even potted a ball after he was given a bye to the second round as opponent Anthony Hamilton withdrew due to health concerns.

When the world No.8 finally got his chance against Gould, he raced into an 11-5 lead and rattled off the 200th century break of his career in the 13th frame.

But Wilson lost the first three frames of yesterday's concluding session and looked a shadow the player who had dominated on Saturday.

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Wilson, a single red away from having his lead cut to 11-9, laid a snooker and forced Gould into three calamitous errors to snatch the frame and halt his opponent’s charge.

The Northamptonshire star admitted not having any time at the table took its toll but feels settled after his second round success.

“I 100 per cent would rather have played in the first round,” said Wilson.

“It’s been a horrible question mark looming over my head on whether I’d be match sharp.

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“I’m basically the last player to experience the new Crucible and had another week to prepare after more than long enough.

“I actually feel like I ticked every box in the performance. I scored heavily when I had momentum and dug in when I needed to and made pressure clearances.

“What happened with the first round is done and dusted, and I’ve earned my place in the quarters.”

Live snooker returns to Eurosport and the Eurosport app. Watch the World Championship from 31st July -16th August with analysis from Jimmy White.