Kyren Wilson setting lofty targets after first World Snooker Championship title

05/07/2024 08:13 AM

Kyren Wilson feels he can go on to build a legacy in snooker and become a multiple world champion after getting his first Crucible triumph ‘out of the way.’

The 32-year-old was the standout player of this year’s tournament, beating Dominic Dale, Joe O’Connor, John Higgins and Dave Gilbert before downing Jak Jones in the final.

It was a remarkable effort after a forgettable season which saw the Warrior reach just one ranking semi-final before he arrived in Sheffield.

His belief and confidence never wavered, though, and now he has a World Championship on his CV he intends to add more in the future, building a legacy in his sport.

‘I said a while ago that I'd be disappointed if I only landed one. I believe I can become a multiple world champion,’ he said after beating Jones 18-14.

‘This first one must be the hardest one to win, surely! I hope it's the hardest to get off your back. Now I've done that no-one can take that away from me.

‘I can build a legacy in this sport and that's something I would like to have a good crack at now I've got this one out of the way.

‘You sort of hunt for your first Triple Crown event and there's no better Triple Crown event to land as your first one than the World Championship. 

‘I came so close at the [2018] Masters, lost in the [2020] final to Ronnie here and Luca pipped me in the semis of the [2021] UKs. 

‘I've had near misses in all three. Now I've got this one I'll always be remembered as a world champion and I believe it can lead to bigger and better things.’

The Warrior has battled through difficult times in his life and career to reach the pinnacle of snooker. He fell off the professional tour in 2011, working in a bar in Northampton as he tried to pursue his dreams on the baize.

There have been health scares for his closest family in recent times, but they have stuck together, got through the various storms and Wilson is now sitting pretty at the top of snooker.

‘It's like a Rocky Balboa story. I've had to dig in and go back to the grotty gym and find myself again,’ he said.

‘I remember two years I couldn't get through Q School. [Wife] Sophie looked at me and said “If you don't do it this year we'll have to look at alternatives”. You have to live.

‘I managed to get on through the European PTC Series at the time and really kicked on from there.

‘I remodelled my game for two years. [Coach] Barry Stark helped me rebuild my technique.’

Wilson takes on the role of reigning world champion from Luca Brecel, who said he was glad his year as Crucible king was over when he lost in the first round to Dave Gilbert in Sheffield.

The new champ cannot see himself feeling the same as the Belgian Bullet, only three years older than him, but at a different stage in life.

‘I'll relish every single opportunity,’ he said of his year ahead. ‘I love what big Rob Walker does and I've imagined being introduced as a world champion at numerous events next season. I can't wait for that.

‘I'm at a different stage in my life to Luca. I've been there and bought all the flash cars. Spent silly amounts of money on silly things. 

‘I've got two children to look after, a mum and dad to support and secure after what they've done for me and hopefully this has set my brother up for life as well. Chuffed.’

Wilson had admitted earlier in the tournament that he has been approached about the much-discussed breakaway tour and did not dismiss the possibility he could be involved.

As world champion it seems unthinkable that he would not be back in Sheffield next year to defend his title, but he remained not entirely committal on his future.

‘Listen, the future can wait,’ he said. ‘For me I'd like to focus on history and I've just become part of history.’

A sixth ranking title to his name and the biggest in the sport, Wilson will make a leap forward in the eyes of many in terms of his standing in the game.

He spoke earlier in the World Championship of his talent being underrated when compared to his mental strength. That may well change now, but he couldn’t really care either way.

‘It's up to those guys, but I'll always be able to say I've been world champion,’ he said. ‘I've been the best in the world in one particular year. I don't care what anyone says.’

MORE : Emotional Kyren Wilson says family ‘sacrificed their whole lives’ for World Championship win

MORE : Kyren Wilson survives Jak Jones fightback to win World Snooker Championship

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.