Semi-final loss left Kyren 'massively disappointed'

The Kettering snooker ace has been reflecting on another good run at the Crucible, which ended in frustrating fashion
Kyren Wilson in action during the World Championships at the CrucibleKyren Wilson in action during the World Championships at the Crucible
Kyren Wilson in action during the World Championships at the Crucible

Kyren Wilson admits his semi-final defeat to Shaun Murphy at the Betfred World Championship left him “massively disappointed.

The Kettering snooker star enjoyed another impressive run at the Crucible as he secured wins over Gary Wilson and Barry Hawkins before an excellent display saw him defeat world No.3 Neil Robertson 13-8 to move into the last four.

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He looked to be on course for a second final appearance in as many years when he opened up a 10-4 lead against Murphy, who grew up in Irthlingborough.

But Murphy battled back in sensational style and eventually triumphed 17-12 before losing out to Mark Selby in the final.

And even now, nearly two weeks on from the defeat, the disappointment is still raw for world No.6 Wilson.

“I am massively disappointed,” the 29-year-old said.

“It’s another strong showing there, I think it’s my third semi-final in four years which is pretty good really.

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“But that’s not what I go to the World Championships for. I want to be winning the title.

“I try my best to win it every year and I was in a good position this year.

“But Shaun was unbelievable, particularly in that last session. I managed to do it to Neil, I ran away with five frames from 8-8 to win that and look how good of a player Neil is.

“Shaun did the same to me and it’s just what happens in snooker sometimes.

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One of the major positives coming out of the World Championship was the return of fans to the Crucible.

The event was used as one of the pilot events to get spectators back to sport tournaments and it culminated in a full house for the final.

Wilson had to watch on in awe from home but he is now hoping that, as restrictions continue to be lifted, capacity crowds will be back for tournaments when the new World Snooker Tour season starts again in July.

“I am so proud to have been a part of the welcoming home of fans being back at events,” he added.

“I thought World Snooker did an amazing job with it.

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“I tuned into the last day of the final and it almost brought tears to my eyes watching all the fans and the atmosphere was amazing.

“Going forward to next season, it’s looking good that we’re going to have fans back.

“I didn’t realise how much I appreciated having them there. When they came back, it made the atmosphere so special.

“I am looking forward to next season because of that.

“Hopefully there will be some packed houses and there will be a chance to interact with the fans, which I think is really important for sport."

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For the time being though, Wilson will be “putting the cue down” to focus on some much-needed family time.

After a gruelling schedule, particularly in Sheffield, the 29-year-old will now turn his full attention to his wife Sophie and their two young sons before he starts to plan for the new season.

And Wilson is hoping there will be the opportunity for a family getaway as the UK continues on the ‘roadmap’ to bring the country out of the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.

“I’ll be putting the cue down for a little while,” he said.

“We have booked to go on holiday, we took a bit of a gamble and hopefully we will be able to do that with the restrictions being lifted.

“But I will be having a bit of family time.

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“We have been doing a few things now things are opening up a bit.

“I sacrifice enough of my family time to prepare properly, particularly for the World Championships, and although I am gutted not to have gone all the way, it’s nice to put that to one side and enjoy the family I have.”