
World number two Kyren Wilson says his main target for the new season is taking that one last step and reaching the summit of the Johnstone's Paint World Rankings for a first time.
The Warrior gets his campaign underway tomorrow against tour rookie and Q School graduate Connor Benzey in Wuhan Open qualifying. He enjoyed a tremendous season in 24/25, but ended on a disappointing note.
Wilson won four ranking titles in his first season as World Champion, but fell foul of the Crucible curse in the opening round. His World Championship run was ended at the first hurdle, after a 10-9 loss against Scottish Open champion Lei Peifan.
We've caught up with Wilson to reflect on last year and preview the season ahead..
Kyren, thanks for speaking to us. First of all how do you reflect on a very successful last 12 months?
“It was unbelievable really. I just grasped being World Champion with both hands. I embraced the challenge of having a lot of pressure. I put it on myself really, there was loads of expectation. I’m proud of how I handled it all. I want to kick on in the same form going forward now. When you have that tag on you, people expect you to deliver that little bit more. It can be difficult, but I think I did that quite well. I won more tournaments than any other player on tour last season and that is an unbelievable feat in itself. I was very proud."
Will it take any weight off your shoulders not holding that mantle this season?
“Not really. I would have thrived off it and enjoyed it again. I’d have preferred to be going into this season as the reigning World Champion, it is a great tag to have on your name. The thing is, nobody can ever take away the fact that my name is on the trophy for life. That will always give me confidence. It is becoming a bigger, better and more exciting calendar. We can see the potential in different parts of the world and in China with Zhao winning the World Championship, I have already seen a massive surge in the Chinese interest. I am going to embrace that and enjoy the ride."
How do you look back on the World Championship?
“There was a lot going on in the build up. I thought the green carpet event was a brilliant addition. It made the players feel really special and it was great for the fans. We then had the champion's dinner and I loved listening to some of the stories from the likes of Cliff Thorburn and Dennis Taylor. They had us laughing throughout the night. Being announced as the defending champion with my family watching was awesome. I just didn’t enjoy the result. I didn’t do too much wrong and I thought Lei Peifan was fantastic. He came out potting balls from everywhere in the second session. I tried my best. I gave it as much preparation as I possibly could. I can’t look back with regret in any way. It just didn’t happen.
“I’ll definitely use it as motivation. It has made me very, very hungry. I was upset for quite some time after losing that match. It definitely got that fire in the belly. I’m looking forward to a very positive season again. The BBC were fantastic with me. I really enjoy the bits of commentary and presenting with them. The time to do it was when I wasn’t playing, which happened to be after the first round. I was due to do a week, but said to the producers after the first day that I couldn’t be there. They were very understanding and I went home for some quality family time.
“I went into the tournament fully believing I could win it. Especially off the back of the season I’d had and the pedigree I have at the Crucible from over the years. You saw lots of seeds falling in the first round, like Mark Selby and Neil Robertson. That first round is becoming more difficult year after year. I’m not angry or upset with myself in any way.”
What do you expect tomorrow in your first match of the season?
“I’m sure he will be very excited and looking forward to playing on tour as a professional. All players dream of doing that so I’m sure it will be a tough game. I must admit playing the qualifiers is a bit of a come down for me. I’ve had the luxury of not needing to qualify for a year, as World Champion, that was one of the perks. I would love to never have to do that again and be at every venue. It is definitely a leveller, but these matches are part of the game if you want to play in these events. I will be trying my hardest to make sure I’m there."
What is your main target for the year ahead?
“I’m gunning for that world number one spot. That is the main goal for this season. At the end of the day, I won the most events last year so if I can do that again I give myself every chance. There will be a lot of players who will have a say in that, including Zhao Xintong. I’ll take each tournament as it comes and try my best to win everything I play in. As long as I dedicate myself properly I give myself a chance of overtaking Judd. I can sense the expectation from the fans every time I play him. I always enjoy playing him, whether it be a final or an exhibition game. He’s the number one in the world and I know I have to play my best. It makes my job easy. I know that if I don’t play well I go home."