Kyren Wilson, the 2024 world snooker champion, has withdrawn from the Championship League after his home was burgled while he competed in the tournament on Monday. The 34-year-old was playing at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester on the opening day of the ranking event when the burglary occurred.
Burglary during match
Wilson started the day in perfect fashion, defeating Haydon Pinhey 3-0 in the 11am start. However, unknown to him at the time, his house was being burgled as he played. The incident was confirmed in an official statement from TW Sports Management, run by Wilson's brother Taylor, on Monday afternoon.
The statement from the world number eight detailed the theft: 'This morning, between 11:04am and 11:22am, my home was burgled while I was away competing in the Championship League Snooker event in Leicester. The offenders were captured on CCTV and stole several items of significant sentimental and financial value, including a Cartier watch, an Audemars Piguet watch, a ladies' Rolex Datejust with a pink dial, and a blue sapphire necklace that I bought for my wife to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary.'
Stolen charity donation
The burglars also stole £2,000 in cash that had been set aside as a donation to the BeMoreFab Children's Cancer Charity, making the incident even more upsetting for the family. Wilson expressed his distress: 'This has been a deeply distressing experience, not because of the value of the items alone, but because of the personal memories and meaning attached to them.'
The matter has been reported to the police, and the CCTV footage is being reviewed. Wilson appealed for help: 'If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, or is offered any of the items described above, please get in touch immediately. I would appreciate it if people could share this post to help raise awareness and assist in recovering these items.'
Withdrawal from tournament
The distressing news from home meant Wilson's Championship League campaign ended after that single win over Pinhey. He withdrew from the rest of his group matches, leaving Pinhey, Dylan Emery, and Michal Szubarczyk to compete for the top spot in the group and progress to the next stage.
The forced withdrawal is a blow to Wilson's early-season plans. He will now not be in action again until the Shanghai Masters, which starts on July 27. With only four top 16 players involved in the Championship League – Zhao Xintong, Si Jiahui, and Chris Wakelin the others – Wilson was one of the favourites to win the trophy.
