Kyren Wilson has expressed his belief that this year's World Snooker Championship is wide open, yet he has singled out four players he considers the most likely to claim the title, a group that includes himself. The 2024 world champion, despite a mixed season, remains a strong contender as he prepares to face Stan Moody in his opening match on Monday morning.
Wilson's Confidence in His Own Chances
Wilson, known as "The Warrior," has had an unusual season with notable victories in non-ranking events like the Masters and Shanghai Masters, but he struggled in ranking tournaments, missing out on qualification for the Players Championship and Tour Championship. However, just two years after winning the world title and with another final appearance to his name, he feels firmly in the mix for the championship at the Crucible.
"I think I'm right in there in the mix myself," Wilson stated, reflecting on his prospects. He emphasized that his experience and past success make him a serious threat, even as he acknowledges the competitive nature of the field.
Key Contenders Named by Wilson
Alongside himself, Wilson highlighted three other players as top contenders: defending champion Zhao Xintong, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and Judd Trump. He praised Zhao Xintong's form, noting that the Chinese player has won four tournaments and performed excellently as world champion. Wilson also pointed out that O'Sullivan has been practicing intensely in China and showed strong form, including a historic 153 break at the World Open, while Trump has maintained consistent performance throughout the season.
Wilson added that the presence of 11 Chinese players in the tournament could lead to another Chinese winner, with Zhao Xintong being the most likely candidate. Zhao started his campaign with a 10-7 win over Liam Highfield, though he admitted to feeling significant pressure during the match, stating, "Tonight was big pressure. I try to control myself and enjoy the table, but tonight I didn't do it well."
An Open and Exciting Championship
Despite naming his top four, Wilson believes the championship is highly unpredictable, with up to 10-16 players capable of winning. "There might be a favourite here and there, but I can't guarantee who's going to win it," he said. He views this openness as making the tournament more watchable and exciting, with the potential for a new champion to emerge unexpectedly.
Wilson's first-round match against Stan Moody is scheduled over two sessions on Monday at 10am and 7pm, kicking off what promises to be a fiercely competitive event. The World Snooker Championship is set to conclude on May 4, with fans eagerly anticipating who will lift the trophy in what Wilson describes as a "really competitive" showdown.
