Exclusive: Kyren Wilson on World Champion “Aura” and Free Hit Mindset as His Form Soars

Defending world champion Kyren Wilson made a strong start at the 2025 Players Championship in Telford, securing a 6-3 victory over last year’s winner Mark Allen to book his place in the quarterfinals.

Wilson, who has been in outstanding form this season, once again delivered an impressive scoring display. In each of the six frames he won, he compiled breaks of over 50, with a high of 87. 

Although Allen had moments where he looked capable of taking control, Wilson capitalised on any opportunity that came his way, extending the Northern Irishman’s recent struggles on the tour.

With this loss, Allen has now failed to qualify for the Tour Championship in Manchester, having failed to reach the top eight on the year-one ranking list.

After his win, Wilson reflected on his performance and expressed his satisfaction with how he played.

“I thought I played pretty solid in all areas of my game. I felt like I ticked the boxes. Battled well in the safety, long game was good, scored well. You have to tick all those boxes playing somebody as good as Mark Allen,” Wilson told SportsBoom.com. 

The ‘Aura’ of a World Champion

Wilson credits his transformation this season to the confidence he gained from becoming world champion. Lifting snooker’s biggest prize has elevated his game, instilling a belief that allows him to consistently compete at the highest level.

In the past, he sometimes struggled to deliver a decisive blow against elite tactical players like Allen. Now, however, he can go toe-to-toe with the best and often emerges victorious.

“I still feel like the same sort of player just with a lot more confidence. Obviously, when you are carrying that confidence, you can kind of transfer it onto the table and you can almost transfer it into your opponent's minds.”

“I feel like I've done that a lot this season. If you sort of cower away in these big events against these top players, they’ll eat you alive. I'm pleased with the way I managed to handle it.”

Wilson also spoke about the presence that comes with holding the title of world champion. While he doesn’t believe he has a fear factor over players like Allen, he feels the achievement has added another dimension to his game.

“I feel like Mark Allen's too long in the tooth to have that bother him, you know, he would just have been focusing on his own game.”

“But for me in particular, it's definitely added that aura of confidence and definitely brought another level to my game.”

Wilson’s ‘Free Hit’

For many first-time world champions, the pressure of expectations can be overwhelming. But for Wilson, it has had the opposite effect. He now approaches each tournament with a sense of freedom, believing that nothing will ever surpass the thrill of winning at the Crucible.

“You feel like you're getting a free hit at tournaments now because you've, you've won the biggest one.”

“Nothing will ever compare to the World Championships, but you know, when you get sort of hunger for winning, you want to keep on winning, it's a great feeling. It's a great buzz.”

“I've put so many hours of hard work and practise and sacrifice over the years that. It's great now to be reaping the rewards when it comes to this time of the year.”

Focused on More Silverware

With the World Championship fast approaching, many players use the Players Championship and the Tour Championship as ideal preparation for Sheffield. 

While Wilson acknowledges their value in fine-tuning his game, his primary focus remains on lifting more trophies.

These ITV events carry added significance for Wilson, as he missed out on them entirely last season. Now back among the sport’s elite, he wants to make the most of every opportunity.

“I would have to say you can't look too far ahead. Don't get me wrong, it’s great for sharpening up and getting ready for Sheffield, but you know, these are great tournaments to be a part of.”

“At the start of the season, you target being in the ITV series. I wasn't in them at all last year, so for me I’m going to try and make the most of them.”

“They’re great looking trophies so I’d love to add them to my collection.”

The Ding Junhui Curse

Wilson has made no secret of his belief that he can break the infamous ‘Crucible curse’ and become the first first-time world champion to successfully defend his title in Sheffield. 

But before that, he has another superstition to overcome—the so-called ‘Ding Junhui curse.’

So far this season, in all 12 tournaments where Ding has been eliminated, the player who knocked him out has failed to progress past the next round. While some may dismiss it as a mere coincidence, others suggest that the effort required to beat Ding drains players ahead of their following match.

Wilson now faces three-time world champion Mark Williams in the quarterfinals and was quick to brush off any concerns about the superstition, offering a light-hearted take on the situation.

“With the amount of experience Mark Williams has got, you know, I don't think it would matter if the roof came off the building and there was a storm, I don't think it would distract him.”

“I can’t think too much about that, I just know I’m going to have to play well to beat Mark Williams. He’s a class act.”

With Wilson in such formidable form, few would bet against him continuing his winning run and adding yet another title to his growing collection.