Kyren sets up a semi-final showdown with legend Ronnie

The Kettering potter booked his place in the semi-finals at the ManBetX Welsh Open yesterday (Friday), breezing past an in-form Neil Robertson 5-0 to line up a tantalising clash with Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The world No.8 crafted breaks of 79, 67 and 63 under Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena lights, dashing Robertson’s hopes of winning a third ranking event title in the space of three weeks.

And Wilson, also an avid Chelsea fan who will be following Monday’s match against Manchester United with interest, believes he has what it takes to go all in way.

“It’s another tough match against Ronnie - we’re in the semi-finals of the Welsh Open and everyone at that stage is capable of winning the tournament,” he said.

“I always enjoy playing those sorts of players to see where my game’s at, and it’s just going to be the same again tomorrow.

“I’m really confident as my game’s in a good place - I played some good snooker against Neil and put in a good performance."

The 28-year-old also reached the last four at the Coral World Grand Prix last week, where he lost 6-4 against Robertson to deny him a shot at a maiden ranking event triumph for over a year.

And while it has been Robertson and world No.1 Judd Trump who have dominated the snooker circuit this season, Wilson believes he is not far away from reaching their level.

“I am still behind Judd and Neil, and you have to be winning titles to disagree with that, but I’m not far off and I’ve now beaten both of them in the last two weeks,” he added.

“I know I’m very close to it, so it’s just about maintaining that consistency and keeping it going.”

Watch the Welsh Open live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds