Kyren Wilson prepares for competitive return amid wife’s health recovery
World snooker champion Kyren Wilson is set to return to competitive action at the International Championship in Nanjing this week, following an extended absence due to personal matters concerning his wife’s health, reports BritPanorama.
The 33-year-old will face David Lilley in the opening round, scheduled for Monday morning at 1:30 am UK time. Wilson’s participation in the tournament marks a significant return to full-time snooker after prioritising family commitments in recent weeks.
Wilson’s wife, Sophie, recently underwent surgery, prompting him to step back from regular practice and competition. “My wife has been very poorly so I’ve not really played snooker for the best part of four or five weeks now,” Wilson stated. The decision to compete in China signifies positive progress in Sophie’s recovery, with Wilson observing that the medical results have recently come back encouragingly.
Looking back at the past few months, Wilson has faced a challenging period both on and off the table. His performance has not met his championship standards, with early exits from tournaments in Wuhan, Britain, and England impacting his form. However, he managed to reach the quarter-finals in Northern Ireland during this difficult autumn.
Reflecting on his time away from the sport, Wilson acknowledged that his absence from practice had affected his game. “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,” he remarked. Yet, he indicated that the sacrifices made for his family’s well-being were ones he has embraced for the sake of success in snooker.
The family has weathered previous health challenges, with Sophie, mother to their two children, having experienced a silent stroke and epilepsy following their son Bailey’s illness last year. Wilson reiterated the strain this has put on the family, emphasizing the relief felt with positive updates regarding Sophie’s health. “My wife has had a tough time of it but we’ve had some fantastic news,” he said, suggesting that this peace of mind would benefit not just him but the entire family.
Having secured his most recent trophy at the Shanghai Masters in August, along with earlier victories at the Players Championship and German Masters, Wilson aims to build upon these successes. As he enters the International Championship, he hopes to surpass last year’s quarter-final performance and restore his former focus and form in Nanjing. A champion’s drive remains undeterred, even amidst the toughest personal trials.
