Kyren Wilson criticizes tournament treatment as world champion

Kyren Wilson, currently ranked No. 2 in the world and the reigning world champion, has publicly criticized the treatment he receives at snooker tournaments. His discontent stems from being frequently assigned to the secondary table, which offers less exposure and fewer viewers compared to the main TV table. This issue came to a head during the British Open in Cheltenham, where Wilson lost to world No. 37 Elliot Slessor in a match that was not broadcast live on television, further aggravating his feelings of disrespect as a champion. Wilson's social media outburst followed a series of matches where he felt his status was undermined. Although he had previously played on the main table in earlier rounds of the tournament, the decision to place him on table two during a crucial match against Slessor was particularly disappointing. He expressed his frustration about being relegated to less favorable conditions, which he believes diminishes the prestige of being a world champion. The broader context of Wilson's complaints reflects ongoing challenges within the sport, where broadcasting decisions often prioritize popular players over current champions. This has led to a perception that the sport does not adequately honor its top competitors, especially those who have recently achieved significant victories. Wilson's situation raises important questions about how snooker manages player visibility and the criteria used to determine which matches are showcased. His comments resonate with many in the sport who feel that the current system may not be serving the best interests of all players, particularly those who have proven themselves at the highest levels.