Kylen Wilson was shocked to lose on the first day of the World Snooker Championship. Wilson beaten 10-9 on Saturday by Chinese Ray Pay fans. Wilson is the sixth first champion to lose in the first round of title defense.
Last updated: 19/04/25 11:06 PM
Defending champion Kylen Wilson has been knocked out of the World Snooker Championship
Kyren Wilson’s title defense ended after being unraveled to Chinese Raypei fans on the opening day of the 2025 World Snooker Championship.
Wilson took a 6-3 lead after the first session, but when players returned to their second session, Ray was on the verge of victory by scoring six consecutive frames.
Despite a late comeback from Wilson forced a decisive frame, Ray had his nerves and made him book his place with a 10-9 victory in round two.
This means that the Snooker’s “Crucible Curse” will last another year, as the first world champion has never held the title since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977.
Ray Payfan booked his location in round two
After winning four ranking events this season, Wilson entered the tournament as one of two higher ranking events than any other player.
The 33-year-old is his sixth first champion in the first round of title defense after Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Graemedot, Neil Robertson and Lucabresel.
