Kyren Wilson battling big family health issue with star to miss World Championship event | Other | Sport

Kyren Wilson will be forced to miss two World Snooker Championship events as his wife is set for surgery. The 2024 champion at the Crucible has revealed that his partner is due a “pretty big” procedure that will mean he will miss the John Virgo Memorial Service and the Champions Dinner.

Wilson said: “Sophie is actually in for some pretty big surgery on April 16, which I’m gutted about. Not only because, obviously, it’s my wife and I want to be there for her, but also I’d have loved to have gone down to the John Virgo service.

“That was always my plan to go and see that and pay my respects. But I need to be there for my wife. And unfortunately I can’t make the world champions’ dinner because of that.

“So, again, frustrating but it’s something we need to do as a family. It’s not resolved but it’s just part and parcel of life. You’ve got to get on with it. I think Sophie’s is more frustrated that she can’t get up into the Champions Lounge at the Crucible and make the most of the Prosecco.”

Wilson was overwhelmed by emotion following his Masters win in January, having endured difficulties away from the table. He exited the UK Championship in the last 32 to Elliot Slessor, which led to the world number two admitting: “You were very close to seeing someone have a mental breakdown.”

After his Masters win, he said: It’s just been frustrating really with the cue situation and obviously Sophie’s health has been in and out. Unfortunately it’s just something we’ve got to deal with.

“We’ve got two options. Either you think about it or you just get on with it. I’m very lucky that I have a very supportive family. The school are going to be very helpful in terms of pick-ups and drop-offs because she’s not going to be able to drive.

“So yeah I will just sort of knuckle down and try and focus on the World Championship. But when I have gaps I will head home. When something like this goes on, it puts life into perspective.

“It would be lovely to try and do well at the Worlds and give her something to just cheer on and support. There’s no tournament like the Worlds. Similar to the Masters, if I was to win it, which I know I’m capable of doing again, I think it’d definitely be up there as one of my greatest ever achievements.”