Defending champion Kyren Wilson became the 20th first time winner to fall at the first hurdle since snooker relocated to the Crucible in 1977, losing a tense 10-9 encounter with debutant Lei Peifan on April 22. Wilson held a 9-8 lead after pinching frame 17 on the black yet faltered with a missed brown under the baulk cushion, allowing Lei to force and then dominate the decider with a composed 67.
Post match Wilson spoke candidly about the psychological toll of an extended season in which he competed in 16 ranking events. Ronnie O’Sullivan, himself once a victim of the so called curse, suggested fatigue played a central role and advised future champions to arrive “slightly underprepared rather than burned out.” Wilson conceded the point, admitting he felt emotionally drained following a year of media commitments and exhibition travel that followed his maiden crown.
The early exit continues a hoodoo that has now outlasted 49 editions of the championship. Not one first time titleholder has successfully defended at the Crucible, a statistic that perplexes statisticians yet remains a compelling narrative each spring. Wilson, who still pocketed 20000 pounds for his appearance, switched to punditry duties with the BBC soon after and vowed to return “re energised” next term.
Lei’s victory propelled the 21 year old into a second round clash with Zhao Xintong, further evidence of China’s accelerating rise. For Wilson, meanwhile, the defeat rekindled debate around scheduling and the challenge of adjusting to champion status in a sport where mental resilience is everything.
Though disappointed, the Kettering professional insisted his dream of multiple world crowns remains intact, citing the late career successes of Mark Williams and John Higgins as inspiration.
