Kyren Wilson is having a fine season as a first-time world champion and has thanked Ronnie O’Sullivan for some words of wisdom on dealing with the situation.
The Warrior lifted claimed the greatest prize in snooker when he beat Jak Jones in the Crucible final in May, becoming world champion for the first time.
He has impressed in that role since, winning the Xi’an Grand Prix early in the season and following that with a win at the Northern Ireland Open, beating Judd Trump in both finals.
Wilson’s performances led to O’Sullivan calling him the best player in the world going into the UK Championship in November, something the Rocket had told the Warrior directly as he offered him encouragement.
O’Sullivan said in York: ‘It’s consistency levels basically, he does what looks simple but it’s not simple, but he does it very efficiently. That’s why I think he’s the best player in the world.
‘I did send him a text saying “this is your time, go and get as many majors as you can because there’ll be a time when it don’t happen for you”.’
Wilson says that meant a lot and he has continued to take what wisdom he can from, not only O’Sullivan, but other legends of the game in Mark Williams and John Higgins.
‘I appreciated that. I’ve been in contract with Ronnie quite a lot recently and I’ve appreciated him trying to give me some tips and advice,’ Wilson told Metro.
‘I think it’s probably a bit of respect that you know what you have to go through to win at the Crucible. I found it very flattering and I try and pick the brains of the likes of Ronnie, John and Mark all the time. Any bit of advice I try and take it on board.’
The voices of experience have reminded Wilson to focus on his own game when he needs to, without getting carried away with other commitments as world champion.
The 33-year-old is trying to keep this in mind, but is also keen to branch out, including with his punditry and commentary role with the BBC.
‘I think it’s that there’s a lot more demand and there does have to be a time when enough is enough and you have to say no,’ Wilson said of the advice given by former world champions. ‘But then also I’m trying to think of what I’m going to do when I stop playing.
‘I do enjoy the studio work, the commentary, been kindly asked by the BBC to do it, which I’ve enjoyed, but it’s just managing it so it doesn’t take over.’
Wilson has also been taking some Rocket advice on the table, trying to play at a quicker pace, which he reckons helps with break-building and silences doubts.
‘I think in today’s game you need to play at a slightly faster pace,’ he said. ‘I think Ronnie mentioned it recently that if you play quicker you can stop those horrible nasty voices that can creep into your head.
‘When you do play off instinct I do think you score heavier because it becomes quite natural and you don’t bog yourself down. I think it’s just something that’s suited me. Maybe it’s come from doing more exhibitions. You’re a bit more care free and I’ve tried to take that onto the match table.’
The world champion feels everything is coming together nicely, seeing his Northern Ireland triumph as exactly how he wants to perform regularly and working hard to do just that.
‘I think I’ve still got a lot of gears to go through,’ he said. ‘I showed that in Belfast I was really strong in that tournament. Then I had a few tip issues after that and I think I’ve got through about 20 tips in the past month. That was unfortunate but I’m working hard and getting my game in shape.
‘I think if you look at the stats I don’t feel I’m far off where I need to be. Making a lot of centuries, my shot time is good, I’m trying to be a bit more entertaining to watch, but without going too far and losing silly matches. I feel pretty happy with where everything is.’
Wilson takes on Zhang Anda in the opening round of the Masters on Wednesday afternoon.
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