Kyren Wilson suffered a shock defeat on the primary day of World Snooker Championship; Wilson overwhelmed 10-9 by China’s Lei Peifan on Saturday; Wilson is sixth first-time champion to lose in first spherical of their title defence
Final Up to date: 19/04/25 11:52pm
Defending champion Kyren Wilson has been knocked out of the World Snooker Championship
Kyren Wilson’s title defence is over after he was surprised by China’s Lei Peifan on the opening day of the 2025 World Snooker Championship.
Wilson had a 6-3 lead after the primary session however when the gamers returned for the second session, Lei gained six consecutive frames to place himself on the point of victory.
Regardless of a late comeback from Wilson forcing a deciding body, Lei held his nerve to ebook his place in spherical two with a 10-9 win.
It means snooker’s ‘Crucible curse’ continues for an additional yr as a first-time world champion has by no means retained their title for the reason that match moved to Sheffield in 1977.
Lei Peifan has booked his place in spherical two
Wilson got here into the match as one of many favourites after profitable 4 rating occasions this season, two greater than another participant.
The 33-year-old is the sixth first-time champion to lose within the first spherical of their title defence after Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Graeme Dott, Neil Robertson and Luca Brecel.
“Obviously it’s really hard to take,” mentioned Wilson. “I’ve got such a strong record at the Crucible and I was nowhere near my best, but it still took a 10-9 to beat me.
“It has been a very lengthy season and I’ve carried out a lot. I’ve by no means been stretched a lot in all my life however I am pleased with the best way I’ve dealt with it and I am pleased with the success I’ve had as effectively.”
Reflecting on becoming the latest victim of the ‘curse’, Wilson added: “It is clearly been constructed up into one thing it is not, as a result of different gamers have gone on to win it. I am positive it’s going to be damaged sooner or later, however sadly, I will not be that individual.”
