Neil Robertson has praised Kyren Wilson for being a “brilliant world champion” ahead of their Players Championship semi-final showdown.
Robertson and Wilson will battle it out on Friday night in front of the ITV cameras for a place in the final.
The Australian booked his place by beating Mark Selby 6-3 while Wilson defeated Welshman Mark Williams by the same score.
Robertson, in a rich vein of form after winning the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, applauded Wilson’s qualities especially since winning the World Championship almost a year ago.
He said: “He (Wilson) plays very aggressively. I don’t think either one of us will step down at any point in the match, we are both going to really go for it.
Robertson: I’ve always admired Wilson
“I love the way he plays the game. I’ve always admired him.
“When he used to come and practise with Joe Perry I thought he could have a wonderful career. He works so hard and has been a brilliant World Champion.
“He has shown how you should conduct yourself in the following season after winning the World Championship.”
After beating Williams, Wilson said he was playing with more freedom after becoming the world champion and in the run up to defending his Crucible crown.
The Kettering potter has come in for criticism for his methodical, workman-like style of play. But more confidence and fluency has cemented his position as one of the world’s best.
He said: “My natural style is finally coming out. This is how I used to play as a junior. I used to be very quick.
“To take that into the main arena, there is a lot of pressure out there, that is the biggest thing I can take away from becoming World Champion. It has given me that confidence to do it.
“I believe in the modern era you need that style of play to be successful.”
In a month’s time Wilson will aim to crack the “Crucible Curse” with the action kicking off in Sheffield from Saturday, April 19.
No player has been able to retain their crown 12 months after lifting the title for the first time. But this year, the Warrior has vowed to crack the curse.
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