World snooker champion Kyren Wilson has opened up on his wife's health troubles as he prepares to return to competitive action at the International Championship in Nanjing this week following an extended absence from the sport.
The 33-year-old faces David Lilley in Monday morning's opening round at 1:30am UK time.
The world number two has endured a challenging period both professionally and personally.
His wife Sophie recently underwent surgery, prompting Wilson to step back from regular practice and competition.
Kyren Wilson's wife has struggled with health problems recently
|PA
The Englishman's participation in China marks his return to full-time snooker after prioritising family commitments.
His decision to compete suggests Sophie has made satisfactory progress in her recovery from the medical procedure.
Wilson's recent performances have fallen short of his championship standards.
Early departures from tournaments in Wuhan, Britain and England marked a difficult autumn campaign, though he managed to reach the quarter-finals in Northern Ireland.
The defending world champion acknowledged his prolonged absence from practice had affected his game.
Kyren Wilson admitted his wife was 'very poorly' and had to undergo surgery
|PA
"My wife has been very poorly so I've not really played snooker for the best part of four or five weeks now," Wilson told the World Snooker Tour.
"It was a last-minute decision to come out to China. It kind of did my head in a little bit - it's not nice knowing that someone is going to be on the operating table while you're going to hit some snooker balls around.
"But that's the sort of sacrifice that me and my family are willing to make to be successful at this game."
Relief came when Sophie's medical results proved encouraging after seven weeks of recovery.
"My wife has had some surgery recently and we've been waiting on some results which thankfully have come back all good this week," Wilson revealed.
Kyren Wilson's form has dipped this season | PAThe family has weathered previous health challenges. Sophie, mother to their two children, previously experienced a silent stroke and developed epilepsy following their son Bailey's illness last year.
Wilson acknowledged the toll on his family. "It's been quite tough to be honest, there's been a lot of strain on the family.
"My wife has had a tough time of it but we've had some fantastic news which is certainly going to free up the mind for not just me, but all of us," he said.
The champion secured his most recent trophy at August's Shanghai Masters. Earlier victories at the Players Championship and German Masters demonstrated his capabilities when fully focused.
Wilson aims to surpass his quarter-final performance from the 2024 International Championship.
With Sophie's recovery progressing well, the Englishman hopes renewed concentration will restore his winning form in Nanjing.