Kyren Wilson arrived in Edinburgh a changed man, a stark contrast to the turmoil he experienced just weeks prior in York. His opening victory at the Scottish Open wasn’t merely a win; it was a visible sign of recovery, a reclaiming of confidence after a deeply unsettling period.
The UK Championship had been a brutal ordeal for the world number two. He battled not only his opponent, Elliot Slessor, but a relentless internal struggle fueled by a crisis of confidence in his equipment. A frantic search for the right cue, culminating in a last-minute change the night before his match, left him feeling utterly adrift.
Wilson openly described the experience as agonizing, admitting he was on the verge of a “mental breakdown” during the 6-4 defeat. The pressure had become unbearable, the simple act of playing snooker a monumental challenge. He felt trapped in a cycle of doubt and desperation.
His 4-1 win over Gao Yang in Edinburgh offered a welcome reprieve. He spoke of needing a confidence boost, and Yang’s apparent nervousness provided just that. More importantly, he was finally playing with a cue he trusted – one he’d had for over a week, a stability he hadn’t felt in months.
This newfound consistency isn’t just about the cue itself, but the peace of mind it provides. Wilson views the Scottish Open as valuable preparation, a chance to refine his game without the crippling anxiety that plagued him in York. He senses a positive shift, a feeling that brighter days are ahead.
The chaos surrounding the UK Championship was a desperate attempt to find a solution where none seemed to exist. Changing cues on the eve of a major tournament is a gamble few can afford, yet Wilson felt he had no other choice. The relief of practicing – and competing – with the same cue for an extended period is palpable.
The weeks following York were crucial for Wilson’s mental wellbeing. He retreated home, immersing himself in family life and embracing the simple joys of the Christmas season. Time with his wife and children offered a much-needed escape from the pressures of the professional circuit.
That time away allowed him to rediscover the balance essential for success. Trusting his equipment, he explained, allows him to fully enjoy his life outside of snooker. This equilibrium, he believes, is the key to unlocking his full potential on the baize.
Wilson now faces Pang Junxu in the last 32, a challenge he approaches with renewed optimism. The Scottish Open is shaping up to be a compelling event, featuring clashes between Mark Selby and Hossein Vafaei, Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham, and world champion Zhao Xintong against Joe O’Connor.
