Kyren Wilson will miss two World Snooker Championship events and the John Virgo Memorial Service as his wife undergoes surgery on April 16, according to multiple reports. The world number two and 2024 Crucible champion cited family priorities in his decision. According to Daily Mirror - Sport, Kyren Wilson described his wife Sophie's upcoming surgery as significant and expressed frustration at missing the John Virgo service, stating he needed to be there for her.
He also noted he would be absent from the world champions' dinner due to these circumstances. The exact nature of Sophie Wilson's health issues and the specific medical procedure she is undergoing have not been disclosed, nor has the expected recovery time been confirmed. Wilson's absence raises questions about whether he will miss any other snooker events beyond the two mentioned, and the specific date of the Champions' Dinner remains unclear.
Sophie is actually in for some pretty big surgery on April 16, which I'm gutted about. Not only because, obviously, it's my wife and I want to be there for her, but also I'd have loved to have gone down to the John Virgo service.
Wilson's recent achievements include winning the Masters in January and securing the 2024 Crucible championship title, though he lost in the last 32 of the UK Championship to Elliot Slessor. He currently holds the world number two ranking in snooker. The John Virgo Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday in Sheffield on the eve of the tournament, with arrangements made by Ken Doherty and Rob Walker.
According to Daily Mirror - Sport, Wilson described the situation as frustrating but emphasized family support, mentioning that school assistance would help with logistics since Sophie will be unable to drive. He added that he plans to focus on the World Championship while returning home during gaps, putting life into perspective.
That was always my plan to go and see that and pay my respects. But I need to be there for my wife. And unfortunately I can't make the world champions' dinner because of that.
So, again, frustrating but it's something we need to do as a family. It's not resolved but it's just part and parcel of life. You've got to get on with it. I think Sophie's is more frustrated that she can't get up into the Champions Lounge at the Crucible and make the most of the Prosecco.
You were very close to seeing someone have a mental breakdown.
It's just been frustrating really with the cue situation and obviously Sophie's health has been in and out. Unfortunately it's just something we've got to deal with.
We've got two options. Either you think about it or you just get on with it. I'm very lucky that I have a very supportive family. The school are going to be very helpful in terms of pick-ups and drop-offs because she's not going to be able to drive.
So yeah I will just sort of knuckle down and try and focus on the World Championship. But when I have gaps I will head home. When something like this goes on, it puts life into perspective.