Rate it!

3 votes

We continue our regular feature profiling rising stars with a look at Kyren Wilson, the Kettering-born talent who is widely tipped for professional glory.

Name: Kyren Wilson

Nationality: English (from Kettering)

Age:18 (DOB: 23/12/1991)

World Ranking: N/A

Career Highlights: 2005 National Silver Waistcoat U18 champion, 2006 Rushden Silver Waistcoat U18 champion, 2007 and 2008 Rushden Grand Finals U19 champion and Rileys Super Series U16 champion, 2009 English Premier Tour Event 4 and 6 winner, World Pro-Am last 16.

General: Has enjoyed steady progression since becoming National Silver Waistcoat U18 champion in 2005. Retained his title in 2006 while playing in as many tournaments as possible through 2006 and 2007. A confidence-boosting win over Nigel Bond at Rushden Pro-Am in December 2007 on route to the final was all part of his smooth development. 2009 has been a very promising year, with his first 147 maximum break and qualification for the World U21 Championships. The Kettering-born player also reached last 16 of World Pro-Am and was a semi-finalist in the Star of the Future event and quarter-finalist at the Spring Festival. Wins in English Tour Events 4 and 6 have also added to the 18-year-old's confidence.

Strengths: Determination and a clear resolve to make the grade are key factors in any young player's development, and Wilson has those qualities in spades. The Kettering potter is known for his confidence and ability to back himself under pressure, traits noted by former world champion Peter Ebdon, who described playing Wilson to playing "Hendry at his peak in the 90s". Has an abundance of natural talent, as noted by Ebdon, and will be looking to continue his seamless progression over the next two years.

Weaknesses: Despite not lacking self-belief, Wilson has tendency to heap too much pressure on himself, as was noticed by Malcolm Thorne, the former England team manager. Ronnie O'Sullivan's former coach Derek Hill concurs about Wilson's propensity to put himself under inordinate amounts of pressure, but believes he is playing better snooker than his former charge at the same age.

Trivia:

From Kettering, the same town as former world champion Ebdon.

Best friend Ian Hay plays football for Rothwell Town.

Enjoys Rocky movies and the comedy Superbad, favourite shows Friends, Shameless and Skins.

Favourite comedian Lee Evans, favourite music Maroon 5.

Highest break: 147 maximum in 2009.

Favourite sports stars are John Terry and Martina Navratilova.

Watch the World Series in Prague LIVE at 6pm on Saturday on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521); Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe

Eurosport