Kyren Wilson is targeting becoming number one in the world for the first time after a painful exit in the World Championship.
The world number 2 told the World Snooker Tour he is eyeing more success for the 2025/26 campaign with the Shanghai Masters starting on July 28.
Wilson won four ranking titles last season. This catapulted him into the world’s top two by a comfortable margin behind Judd Trump. His brilliant season followed his maiden World Championship title in 2024.
But given his success, Wilson’s first round exit to Lei Peifan in the 2025 World Championship was a huge shock.
The Kettering potter said defeat “really hurt” and had to pull out from BBC media work because he “literally couldn’t take it”.
He said: “I was as sick as a pig. I turned to the producer and said ‘look I hope you understand I just can’t be here. I needed to go home and see my family.
“That was important to take myself out of that environment But I’m proud of the way I handled it
“I gave it my all. I lost to a very talented player. He gave the (eventual) World Champion a run for their money in the second round.”
More silverware
Wilson goes into the Shanghai Masters looking to bounce back from his Crucible setback. He’s spent the summer travelling the world for exhibitions and time with family.
He said he wants to keep lifting silverware and reach the top of the world rankings.
“I’ve always believed if you win the world title with it being so top heavy in terms of ranking points – it is going to catapult you up there and give you a chance,” he added.
“It obviously didn’t help Judd won the Saudi event which was the same amount of prize money. So obviously, it would have been a lot closer. But that’s why he’s world number one.
That’s why he’s there winning the big tournaments when you’ve got to. Its down to me to challenge that and try and get up there. If I have a similar season to last season, obviously I’ll be there or thereabouts.”
