April 23rd 2024.
Kyren Wilson is feeling nostalgic as he prepares for the Crucible, a place that holds a special place in his heart. As he enters this year's World Snooker Championship, the 32-year-old is flying under the radar, a stark contrast to the past few years where he was one of the top contenders. He attributes this to his unconventional season, one that is hard to explain as he puts it, "It's mad, it doesn't add up."
Despite making it to one semi-final and a couple of quarters, Wilson's failure to qualify for the World Grand Prix, Players Championship, and Tour Championship have dampened his campaign. However, a quick look at the stats reveals that he has scored a whopping 61 centuries this season, second only to Judd Trump. It's clear that his scoring game is in top form, and he is baffled as to why the results haven't followed suit. He believes that it's the little bits of bad luck here and there that have been fatal.
Reflecting on his season, Wilson shares, "It's been a strange year, it's just little bits of ball run that's turned it. It's crazy little strange things, but I'm quite patient. I believe it's a bit of a cycle and your turn will come back round. The beauty of this tournament is the long format, so there are swings and roundabouts. I know it's coming back because my scoring is there, it's about maintaining it and riding bits of luck. This tournament is about 17 days of magic, you don't need a year of magic to win this tournament. Everyone has a chance."
As the world number 12, Wilson is not the center of attention like in previous years, and he is content with flying under the radar. He draws parallels to his junior career, where despite not being mentioned as a top contender, he would often walk away with the trophy. He hopes to replicate this success at the Crucible this year and surprise a few people. He also believes that his scoring power is still there, giving him a chance to go all the way.
Wilson's first match at the Crucible is against Dominic Dale, who is returning to the Sheffield theatre after a 10-year absence. While the 52-year-old may not be the favorite to win, Wilson expects a tough challenge from the resurgent player. He acknowledges Dale's dedication to practice, which has paid off in his recent form and qualification for the World Championship. Wilson also praises Dale's experience and showmanship, making him a formidable opponent.
There has been a lot of talk about the future of the Crucible, with some suggesting it should move to a bigger venue for more prize money and fans. However, Wilson is among those who want the iconic event to stay put. He believes that the tightness, compactness, and edginess of the Crucible add to the test of being a world champion. He concludes, "Even being back stage, just peering through the door and seeing the table is mega. Always good being here, it's my favourite tournament and one of my favourite cities."
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