He might be world champion, but Kyren Wilson still has a way to go before at an elite level – according to a rival.
Matthew Selt, who will play the world champ at the World Grand Prix in March, made the brutal call but admitted this his outspoken nature could come back to bite him when the pair face each other. Wilson bounced back from a shock Masters final defeat to Shaun Murphy to lift the German Masters, but then was dumped out of the Welsh Open by Joe O’Connor at the second round
Mark Selby went on to win the tournament, whilst world No.1 Judd Trump chose not to compete as he fully focuses for a tilt at Crucible glory in May – and Selt believes the two stand in a class of their own. Above even Wilson, he told the Snooker Club podcast: “Unfortunately I talk as honestly as I can, and that’s my biggest downfall in life.
“But Kyren isn’t in the same bracket for me as a Trump or a Selby. And I’m playing Kyren in Hong Kong, and it will be a privilege to play the world champion. He’s a great player, a phenomenal player. But he’s a few years behind them. I think he’ll get there, I think he’ll win more world titles and a lot more ranking events. But at this moment in time I don’t hold him as high as a Trump or a Selby. That might be harsh, but that’s just how I see it.”
Selt also heaped praise on winner Selby, who has openly spoken about battling depression and suicidal thoughts, but believes the end of the road for Ronnie O’Sullivan’s glittering 30 year career is getting nearer. He added: “Mark is the best since the Class of 92 to have won at the Welsh.
“Ronnie looks like he’s over the other end of the hill in terms of wanting to play, not ability wise. As soon he jacks it on the head then the two favourites every year will be Trump and Selby. If one of them doesn’t win then the other one will.”