Kyren Wilson has spoken openly about the personal struggles that have affected his form on the snooker circuit, revealing that his wife Sophie has been seriously ill and recently underwent surgery.
The world No 2, who captured his first World Championship title last year, admitted he has endured “a torrid time off the table” while trying to balance his family’s needs with the demands of elite sport.
Wilson, 33, is one of snooker’s most consistent performers, boasting ten ranking titles and a reputation for unflappable focus.
Yet this season has been unusually difficult for the Kettering-born star, who has suffered a series of early exits in major tournaments.
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He was knocked out of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, the Wuhan Open, and the English Open, before a surprise defeat to teenage prodigy Stan Moody at the British Open.
His dip in form came abruptly after his impressive victory at the Shanghai Masters in September, leaving fans puzzled by the sudden downturn.
Now, Wilson has explained that events away from the table have taken a toll on his concentration and preparation.
Kyren Wilson's form has dipped this season
|PA
“I’ve had a bit of a torrid time off the table,” he said.
“My wife has been very poorly, so I’ve not really played snooker for the best part of four or five weeks now. I think she’s coming up to about six weeks of recovery tomorrow, so I feel like my snooker is slowly coming back.”
Sophie, whom Wilson married in 2016 after seven years together, has been battling serious health problems in recent weeks.
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Kyren Wilson and his wife, Sophie, have two children together
|PA
The mother of their two sons, Finley and Bailey, was forced to undergo surgery in August while Wilson was competing at the Wuhan Open in China.
He did not reveal specific details of her illness but confirmed she is now recovering well.
“It was a last-minute decision to come out to China,” he said. “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.”
Sophie has faced health battles before, having previously suffered a stroke, and Wilson said her strength and resilience have been a constant source of inspiration.
“Sometimes you’ve just got to make sure your head is clear, and thankfully now I feel like I’m getting there,” he added. “I’ve started to put a bit more time in again. I can focus a bit more on my game, and hopefully you’ll start seeing the results you’ve been used to.”
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Kyren Wilson is currently ranked world No 2
|PA
Wilson returned to action this week at the Xi’an Grand Prix, where he began his title defence with a composed victory over Haris Tahir.
The win, he said, felt particularly significant after a difficult few months that have tested both his mental and emotional endurance.
For one of snooker’s most driven competitors, the experience has offered perspective as well as renewed motivation.
“When things like this happen, it makes you realise what’s important,” Wilson reflected. “I’m just glad my wife is on the mend. Now it’s about finding balance again — for my family and for my snooker.”