Snooker star Kyren Wilson warned his young children that they had to prepare themselves for him not to receive the crowd’s support when he played Ronnie O’Sullivan in Shanghai. The 2024 world champion faced off with the Rocket on day two of the Shanghai Masters, looking to retain his title.
Wilson was well aware that he’d not only be facing O’Sullivan’s talent but a vociferous crowd that was firmly behind the 50-year-old, too. And with his children, aged eight and 11, in attendance, he made sure to provide them with some advanced warning.
Fortunately for them, they were able to watch their dad prevail 6-4 in a barnstorming clash. Wilson earned his seventh win against O’Sullivan in their past eight meetings and racked up breaks of 113, 92, 89, 79 and 97.
The world number seven was able to overcome O’Sullivan, who managed to record consecutive breaks of 100, 111 and 131 during the clash. Wilson was inspired by the crowd, however, and was happy that his children, who are fans of snooker, could experience the sport in another country.
“It’s always great playing in Shanghai, and it’s always playing somebody as class as Ronnie O’Sullivan,” he said.
“You know that the crowd are going to turn out in numbers when he’s playing. It inspires me. It makes me want to play good snooker and obviously I’m trying to defend my title.
“I’ve also got my kids out here with me. I wanted to show them how amazing the snooker is out here. Hopefully, they enjoyed that one.
“I had to pre-warn them tonight that the crowd were going to be heavily on Ronnie’s side. It’s nothing against me but he’s such a legend out here. My kids are keen on their snooker, so I’m sure they’ll have enjoyed that one.
“My kids are so lucky, they don’t know they are born, at eight or 11, to be visiting places like Shanghai – what an incredible experience and adventure.”
Wilson next plays Mark Williams in the quarter-finals after he defeated Chris Wakelin 6-5. And Wilson hopes his next opponent finds time to undergo some male grooming before they play for a spot in the final four in China.
Poking fun at his rival, the 34-year-old was full of praise for Williams, calling him a legend.
“I hope he’s had a shave for that game,” Wilson said. “He’s class. We get on really well, and I love playing those guys.
“It’s always good fun, it’s always a good experience, but you’ve got to put that to one side, and try and beat a legend.”