Kyren Wilson into Final: ‘I didn’t want to get there like this’

The Kettering cueist came through a thoroughly dramatic decider to reach a maiden final in Sheffield.

Kyren Wilson is through to the final of the World Snooker Championship after a remarkable 17-16 triumph over Anthony McGill at the Crucible Theatre on Friday.

After his opponent fought back from 13-11 down at the beginning of the final session to go 16-15 in front, Wilson won the last two frames to advance.

But the semi-final will be remembered for a long time for its deciding frame, a topsy-turvy thriller of emotions that had to be seen to be believed.

McGill, who barely missed a ball throughout the afternoon’s play, got in with the first opportunity but was unlucky not to land on a red after what seemed like a successful split of the pack.

Wilson responded, but after the Englishman missed a routine red to the middle pocket the proper drama ensued.

Upon being laid in a tricky snooker, McGill squandered penalty points that ultimately left him requiring snookers himself to win the frame.

However, Wilson’s next shot at the table resulted in the cue ball going in-off to gift the qualifier a reprieve.

When McGill later potted the last red, it looked as though he was destined to pinch the frame, but he snookered himself on the green.

That green proved to be the decisive ball, as Wilson sent it around the angles and amazingly fluked it to gain the points advantage he required again.

The former Masters runner-up immediately felt the emotion of what had just happened, and the 28 year-old was on the cusp of crying before the job was fully complete.

Scotland’s McGill, who began his World Championship campaign in the preliminaries and featured in three deciding frames at the venue stages, valiantly played on but couldn’t get the snooker he needed to survive.

It’s Wilson then who progresses to a first ever World Championship final, with an encounter against either Mark Selby or Ronnie O’Sullivan on the horizon.

Amazing stuff. 186 points a new record for one frame at the Crucible.
Horrible for Anthony but well done Kyren.

— David Hendon (@davehendon) August 14, 2020

“I didn’t keep myself together, that’s what I’m most annoyed about,” a tearful Wilson told Rob Walker in his post-match interview.

“I didn’t feel like I was quite there today. Anthony was absolutely phenomenal.”

“It’s a cruel game. I’ve dreamt of this moment, I didn’t want to get there like this. Every credit to Anthony.

“I’m in a really good place mentally, I’m enjoying being a part of this World Championship – with everything going on in the world, it’s a bonus just being here.

“It’s mad what can happen on a snooker table. For me, it felt like it was one of the best semi-finals ever at the Crucible. I’m just a little annoyed it’s ended that way.

“We’re still a long way from what I want to achieve, but I’m a fighter and I’ll give it my all.”

Wilson is now guaranteed a cheque worth £200,000, but half a million pounds could be heading his way if he can win one more match for the title this weekend in Sheffield.

O’Sullivan and Selby, meanwhile, complete their semi-final fixture on Friday evening with the “Rocket” trailing the “Jester” 13-11.

Live coverage continues on the BBC, Eurosport, and Matchroom.Live.

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Featured photo credit: WST