KYREN WILSON'S WIFE'S HEARTBREAKING HEALTH BATTLE AFTER SUFFERING STROKE AND SON'S SURGERY

Kyren Wilson was forced to skip two events ahead of the World Snooker Championship due to family health concerns. The 2024 world champion admitted that his wife Sophie was set to undergo "pretty big surgery" just as the prestigious tournament got underway.

Consequently, Wilson missed the John Virgo Memorial service on Thursday as well as the Champions Dinner held later that evening. Opening up about his wife's health struggles, the 34-year-old said: "Sophie is actually in for some pretty big surgery on April 16, which I'm gutted about.

"Not only because, obviously, it's my wife and I want to be there for her, but also I'd have loved to have gone down to the John Virgo service. That was always my plan to go and see that and pay my respects.

"But I need to be there for my wife. And unfortunately I can't make the world champions' dinner because of that.

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"So, again, frustrating but it's something we need to do as a family. It's not resolved but it's just part and parcel of life. You've got to get on with it.

"I think Sophie's is more frustrated that she can't get up into the Champions Lounge at the Crucible and make the most of the Prosecco."

Wilson's wife, whom he married a decade ago, also suffered a 'silent' stroke and received an epilepsy diagnosis shortly before the snooker star claimed the World Championship title in 2024. Sophie was forced to give up her driving licence following the medical emergency, and the Englishman has been candid about the difficulties his family have faced.

"There have been lots of things going on with the family," he said at the time. "So snooker has had to take a little bit of a backseat this year. [It's] not necessarily something I'd have like to have done or chosen to do.

"My wife's had to surrender her licence because of her epilepsy. That was brought on by Bailey being really ill last year. Off the back of that, it has triggered her epilepsy again. She had a silent stroke."

At around the same time, Wilson's son suffered an accident at school, sustaining a fractured eye socket and broken nose that required surgery. This only added to the snooker star's personal struggles and affected his ability to train.

"I've had non-stop hospital appointments with him," Wilson said. "But he's all right, he's tough as old boots. I've been non-stop. I've hardly been able to practice. I haven't really able to travel a lot. It's part of having children, isn't it?"

Sophie underwent a similar procedure to her most recent one in 2025, while Wilson was competing in the Wuhan Open in China. The Englishman spoke candidly about the emotional strain his wife's health battles have placed on him, revealing his desire to give his family cause for celebration.

He said: "It's just been frustrating really with the cue situation and obviously Sophie's health has been in and out. Unfortunately it's just something we've got to deal with. We've got two options. Either you think about it or you just get on with it.

"I'm very lucky that I have a very supportive family. The school are going to be very helpful in terms of pick-ups and drop-offs because she's not going to be able to drive. So yeah I will just sort of knuckle down and try and focus on the World Championship. But when I have gaps I will head home.

"When something like this goes on, it puts life into perspective. It would be lovely to try and do well at the Worlds and give her something to just cheer on and support.

"There's no tournament like the Worlds. Similar to the Masters, if I was to win it, which I know I'm capable of doing again, I think it'd definitely be up there as one of my greatest ever achievements."

Wilson will open his Crucible campaign on this occasion against teenage prospect Stan Moody. The duo are set to get their match underway during Monday's morning session, with a 10am start.

2026-04-19T08:01:05Z