Snooker world champion had £400 to his name and reacts to 'massive kick in the teeth'

Kyren Wilson was nearly penniless before kickstarting his career by winning the Shanghai Masters a decade ago. The man from Kettering prevailed at this year's edition of the tournament, beating Ali Carter in the final. It saw him scoop the winner's share of the prize money, with the former world champion taking home a whopping £210,000.

Wilson announced himself to the sport by winning the same tournament 10 years ago, when it was still a ranking event. He downed Judd Trump in the final, edging a deciding frame to claim the spoils against the odds. From there, he capitalised on his momentum to establish himself as one of snooker's big-name players.

Looking back on his 2015 triumph, Wilson admitted that he needed the money because he only had a few hundred pounds in his bank account.

"Ten years ago, I didn't have a pot to p*** in," he told The Sun. "I think I came out to Shanghai with about £400 to my name. I just managed to win that and my career took off.

"I was very successful after that, very consistent. My life totally changed after that. I proved I was not a one-hit wonder.

"Ten years on and to win it now, when it's a prestigious invitational event, with the best 16 players and very good Chinese talent, is a massive feather in the cap."

Wilson was particularly thrilled to win the Shanghai Masters over the weekend, having taken a hit after being dumped out of the World Championship in the first round. His defeat to Lei Peifan saw him become the latest victim of the so-called Crucible curse.

"The biggest statement is that I went out in the first round of the World Championship, I've gone away, had time off and come back as hungry as I was last season," he continued.

"Very determined to get winning again. It was a massive kick in the teeth to go out in the first round of the Worlds. I'd like to say I always stay positive, but I didn't want it to go to a decider as Ali's strike rate this week has been phenomenal.

"We all know how gritty and determined he is. I was very conscious I had to take out that last clearance and I was so happy I did that. You could see the emotions."

Wilson will be hoping for more success over the coming weeks as he looks to maintain his impressive start to the season. He will return to action later this month at the Wuhan Open, where he faces Aaron Hill in the opening round.

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