UNDERDOG STORY
Snooker’s ‘Rocky Balboa’ Kyren Wilson ate same meal every day and got ultimatum from wife before World Championship win
He celebrated his win with a different meal
BEFORE starting his Crucible-winning party, which was still going strong at 4am, Kyren Wilson reflected on the journey he had taken to reach the sport’s pinnacle.
For a kid from Kettering to survive as many setbacks as he had and still lift the biggest trophy in snooker – well, it was “like a Rocky Balboa story”.
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A tale of an underdog who is indebted to his parents – particularly dad Rob who has multiple sclerosis – who sacrificed so much so he could fulfil his aspirations.
A dream that would not have been possible without the full support and patience of his wife Sophie and two young kids, who put up with his “nightmarish” ways.
Especially when he has suffered a heavy loss and there are punch holes in doors.
The path to the top on Monday night in Sheffield, as he has claimed a maiden world title, has been a bumpy one.
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And those hardship days when he used to collect empty beer glasses in a snooker club, after he had dropped off the tour between 2011-13, were in his mind as he received the £500,000 cheque.
Wilson, 32, said: “My dad used to take me to the local club, playing pool at first.
“It was on a school night and my mum would constantly say it should be education first and it’s a massive gamble.
“My dad said: ‘I can see the talent there, I believe there’s something there.’ That was backwards and forwards all through school.
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“My mum and dad actually bought a derelict house which hadn’t been lived in for 40 years because it had the potential to build a snooker room.
“They bought that and kept re-mortgaging. They made a lot of sacrifices. They always believed in me and backed me.
Kyren Wilson breaks promise to himself immediately after winning World Snooker Championship
“Since then, there are plenty of holes in walls, plenty of doors that have been battered. There are a lot of things that have been broken in frustration.
“It’s because I leave it all out there. I try so hard with every event I play. I sacrifice this life for this game.
“But it’s all worthwhile now I’ve got my name on this trophy.
“The setbacks have made me stronger. If you keep dwelling on the past you’ll never move forward.
“It’s like a Rocky Balboa story. I’ve had to dig in and go back to the grotty gym and find myself again.
“I remember the two years I couldn’t get through Q School. Sophie looked at me and said: ‘If you don’t do it this year, we’ll have to look at alternatives.’”
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Wilson, who deliberately refused to show any emotions around the table, felt sick on the first day of the 2020 World Final -- which he lost 18-8 to Ronnie O'Sullivan -- after he ate dodgy pizza.
For this past fortnight, his dinner plate consisted only of salmon, but fish was discarded during the after-party for chicken curry, chips and beers.
As he celebrated with friends and family, Wilson never let go his grip of the silver snooker trophy – he cradled it like one of his children.
At the age of 32, time on his side to succeed again at the game’s highest level.
Wilson, who overtakes Ronnie O’Sullivan as world No.3, said: “I’d be disappointed if I only landed one. I believe I can become a multiple world champion.
“This first one must be the hardest one to win – surely!
“I can build a legacy in this sport and that’s something I’d like to have a good crack at now I’ve got this one out of the way.”
Unlike 2023 world champion Luca Brecel, who left the trophy unwrapped in a box in his garage for 12 months, Wilson will embrace his new status.
And maybe in the eyes of his kids, Bailey and Finley, he will supplant Cristiano Ronaldo as their biggest sporting idol.
Wilson said: “I’ll relish every single opportunity. I’ve imagined being introduced as a world champion at numerous events next season.
“I’m at a different stage in my life to Luca. I’ve been there and bought all the flash cars. Spent silly amounts of money on silly things.
“I’ve got two children to look after, a mum and dad to support and secure after what they’ve done for me.
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“My kids just love sport. They’re really into their football.
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“I’m looking forward to going out to Saudi Arabia, especially now I’m so high in the rankings.
“And who knows, perhaps I can meet Cristiano Ronaldo and we can discuss tactics on how I can become my kids’ number one idol…”
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