Kyren Wilson secured a 6-4 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Shanghai Masters, after warning his two young children that the crowd would be heavily against him. The 2024 world champion, aiming to defend his title, faced the seven-time world champion in front of a vociferous Chinese audience.
Wilson's children, aged eight and 11, were in attendance, and he made sure they were prepared for the atmosphere. He told them: "I had to pre-warn them tonight that the crowd were going to be heavily on Ronnie's side. It's nothing against me but he's such a legend out here."
Victory and Key Statistics
Wilson triumphed with breaks of 113, 92, 89, 79 and 97, securing his seventh win against O'Sullivan in their last eight meetings. O'Sullivan compiled consecutive centuries of 100, 111 and 131 during the contest. Wilson later said: "It's always great playing in Shanghai, and it's always playing somebody as class as Ronnie O'Sullivan. You know that the crowd are going to turn out in numbers when he's playing. It inspires me."
Wilson's children, keen snooker followers, experienced the sport abroad. "My kids are so lucky, they don't know they are born, at eight or 11, to be visiting places like Shanghai - what an incredible experience and adventure," he added.
Next Opponent Mark Williams
Wilson will face Mark Williams in the quarter-finals, after Williams edged past Chris Wakelin 6-5. Wilson took a light-hearted swipe at his opponent, joking: "I hope he's had a shave for that game. He's class. We get on really well, and I love playing those guys. It's always good fun, it's always a good experience, but you've got to put that to one side, and try and beat a legend."
