Kyren Wilson has won the title of world snooker champion for the first time. The 32-year-old Englishman defeated Welsh outsider Jak Jones 18:14 in the final in Sheffield on Monday evening and thus secured the greatest success of his career to date. In addition to the silver trophy, Wilson will receive prize money of 500,000 pounds, around 583,000 euros. Jones had only entered the tournament as a qualifier and surprised at the Crucible Theater with, among other things, a win against former champion Judd Trump.
Wilson follows the Belgian Luca Brecel, who secured his first world title last year. “The Warrior”, as the Englishman is called, has had a confident tournament. His 10:1 first round win against the Welshman Dominic Dale was followed by further clear victories over the Englishman Joe O’Connor (13:6), Scotland’s John Higgins (13:8) and the Englishman David Gilbert (17:11).
Persuading the children
Even in the final, success was never really in danger thanks to a strong 7-1 start. On Monday Jones managed a century break with 105 points, but despite a decent performance in the evening it was no longer enough to turn things around. With the score at 16:11, a new Black player had to decide the frame – Wilson skillfully converted over the boards and was then unstoppable. Joyful and relieved, he shouted a “Come on” into the Crucible when the game was decided. He later burst into tears of joy as he hugged his two sons.
In the new world rankings, Wilson is ranked third. Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen takes over the top spot from Ronnie O’Sullivan, who slips to fifth. Between Allen and Wilson is Trump. Finalist Jones improves 30 places to 14th place.
But Wilson has to continue to convince his children. “You can’t please everyone. I always strive to inspire younger people – hopefully my children too. “They were asked who their sports idol was – it wasn’t me,” Wilson said after his win, drawing loud laughter from the audience. Wilson posed at the huge green table with wife Sophie and sons Finley and Bailey. But they have the former world champion and Wilson rival Trump as a role model. Will that change now? “My son says no,” said the new world champion. Final loser Jones congratulated fairly and said: “Congratulations to Kyren and his family. If anyone deserves it, it’s him.”
Family photo with World Cup trophy: Kyren Wilson, wife Sofie and sons Bailey (left) and FinleyAFP
