Kyren Wilson has hit back at critics who accused him of over-celebrating after his first-round win at the World Snooker Championship, asking: 'What planet are these people on?' The 2024 world champion saw his campaign end in the second round with a 13-9 defeat to Mark Allen, but not before sparking debate with his reaction to a 10-7 victory over debutant Stan Moody.
Wilson Defends His Celebration
In the opening match, Wilson trailed 7-3 before mounting a comeback against the 19-year-old Moody. After potting the black to seal the 17th and final frame, he pumped his fist, looked toward someone in the crowd, shook Moody's hand, and raised his hand to the audience several times as he left the arena. Some fans deemed this excessive against a younger opponent, but Wilson disagrees.
'I mean, what planet are these people on?' Wilson said. 'You're in the World Championships. Do you not celebrate? If Ronnie celebrates against me when he's 20 years my superior, is that wrong of him? I don't understand it whatsoever. You know, if Stan celebrated and it was against me, is he wrong? I don't know. At the end of the day, it shows how much I want to win. I've got my kids cheering me on at home, dressed in full attire. I want to give them something to celebrate. So I couldn't care less if people don't appreciate it. In my opinion, don't watch me.'
Support from Shaun Murphy
Fellow professional Shaun Murphy backed Wilson, stating: 'I think when you're overcome with emotion, even if you don't shake hands, it's not meant in malice. There's no malice behind it. I've known Kyren since he was a boy, there would be no malice meant behind it. He's just won a match from 6-2 behind in the first round. He's entitled to celebrate. I don't think he will have meant anything by it.'
Wilson's Exit and Message to Allen
After his defeat to Mark Allen, Wilson embraced his opponent and revealed his words of encouragement: 'In that third session I felt like he upped his rhythm a little bit, scored a bit more freely and kind of just looked a little bit more confident. So I just said, "listen, if you play like that, you've got every chance of winning it," because we all know what a gritty, determined character he is and what bottle he's got. I'd love to see him win it.'
Wilson's stance remains firm: he will continue to celebrate his victories, regardless of opposition or criticism.
