sport news World Champion Kyren Wilson says his rise to the top is like a 'Rocky Balboa ... trends now
Kyren Wilson likened his rise to the top to Rocky Balboa and revealed the sacrifices his nearest and dearest made to help him achieve his childhood dream of becoming snooker World Champion.
Kettering-based Wilson, 32, downed gutsy Welshman Jak Jones 18-14 in dramatic Crucible final on Monday night.
But behind the scenes, a strong family unit has supported Wilson every step of the way.
Wilson's father Rob, who has multiple sclerosis, saw his son's talent early and would regularly make sacrifices, ferrying him to pool tables after school.
‘My dad used to take me to the local club, playing pool at first. It was on a school night and my mum would constantly say: “It’s education first and it’s a massive gamble”. My dad said: "I can see the talent there, I believe there is something there",’ Wilson said.
Kyren Wilson claimed the World Snooker Championship title by beating Jak Jones
'My mum and dad actually bought a derelict house that hadn’t been lived in in 40 years because it had the potential to build a snooker room at the back.
'They bought that and kept remortgaging. They have made a lot of sacrifices but they have always believed in me and always backed me. I’ve sacrificed my life for this moment.
'There are plenty of holes in walls, plenty of doors that have been battered. There are a lot of things that have been broken in frustration. It’s just because I leave it all out there. I try so hard with every event I play in.'
'It’s like a Rocky Balboa story,' he added.
Away from the baize, Wilson's life has not always been easy. In the past 12 months, wife Sophie suffered a stroke brought on by epilepsy and younger son Bailey underwent surgery. But he has always been able to rely on a tight family unit.
That was shown by the emotional scenes after his first-time Crucible win. As the ticker tape fell, he tearfully he clutched Sophie, brother Taylor and sons Finley and Bailey on the famous Sheffield stage.
Earlier in his career, Wilson dropped out of the pro tour after one season aged 19. He headed back to Kettering, practising snooker in tandem with a bar job to make ends meet.
Before the Shanghai Masters in 2015, Wilson nearly withdrew from the tournament because he did not want to miss his father's surprise 50th birthday celebration in Tenerife.
Wilson celebrated with his wife Sophie and his two sons Finley and Bailey after sealing victory
Having just had first son Finley, wife Sophie tearfully called Wilson to tell her she had lost the £200 the pair had saved for spending money.
Coach Barry Stark said the best present Kyren could
