Kyren Wilson wants World Championship to remain at incomparable Crucible – ‘You can’t create same intensity’
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Published 08/05/2024 at 17:07 GMT
Kyren Wilson has added his name to those who wish to see the World Snooker Championship remain at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The 32-year-old beat Jak Jones 18-14 in the final to lift his first world title and admitted it wouldn’t have felt as fulfilling had it happened away from the 980-seater venue. The Crucible has held the event since 1977 but the current contract is up in 2027.
'I'll never forget this moment' - Wilson reflects on glory at Crucible
Kyren Wilson achieved a lifelong dream on Monday night in beating Jak Jones to lift his first World Championship title at the iconic Crucible in Sheffield.
The emotion poured out of the 32-year-old nicknamed ‘The Warrior’ as he eventually got over the line to seal an 18-14 win and add his name to the legends of the sport that have previously raised aloft the famous trophy.
But, he insists, it would not have felt the same had it happened away from the 980-seater venue in the Steel City.
“It literally is in the writing, it is pure theatre in there, it's so intense, so compact, the atmosphere is like no other,” Wilson told Sky Sports.
“You can't create the same intensity in a big, vast venue but I understand why there's talks of it because there's a massive demand for snooker at the moment in all parts of the world.
“It's a great position for the game to be in, but for me it was so important to make sure that I lifted it this year because if I ever got the chance to lift this trophy and it wasn't at the Crucible, for me, I don't think it would have quite the same effect.”
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Wilson pays emotional tribute to family after World Championship glory
Talk was rife throughout the tournament about the future of the Crucible as the home of the sport’s showpiece event, with the current contract set to expire in 2027.
The Crucible has welcomed the best players in the world since 1977 but it is among the smaller venues on the WST calendar and there appears to be growing unrest among some over the suitability of the facilities.
Former WST chairman and Matchroom president Barry Hearn hinted future hosting rights will go to the highest bidder amid Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning interest.
Wilson, who paid tribute to his parents for the financial sacrifices they made to get him where he is now, understands the economic argument, but is delighted that his place in Crucible folklore is secure.
“At the end of the day, everybody has different circumstances,” he added. “People have families to provide for, mortgages to pay, bills to pay, so I don't know the position that other people are in.
“For me it was just all about being a part of history. Obviously, the money and all of that sort of thing can take care of itself if you are a world champion, so I don't think there was any point in worrying about that.
“Money does come and go, but history and legacy obviously is something that is going to remain forever.
“At the end of the day, we do an awful lot of travelling. We make an awful lot of sacrifices away from the family.
“So if the rewards are going to get bigger and better, that's obviously great - but history is something that I can sort of never have that robbed of me.”
As for matters on the table, now that he has scaled one mountain, Wilson hopes it will provide a springboard to future success.
In particular, he is eyeing up the No. 1 ranking and a few more world titles.
“That world No. 1 spot is something that I would love to tick off but it's beautiful that I'm now a part of history,” he continued.
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Wilson makes third century of match against Jones in World final
“The fascinating thing for me has been looking at the number of names who have won this trophy since 1925-26. It's got such a long history and obviously my name is going to go on there.
“I said I wouldn't be happy if I had just won one throughout my career. I'm 32 now and I'm coming into my prime so now I've got the first one out the way, which I believe is the hardest one to win, hopefully there will be many more.”
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