Kyren Wilson Exits World Championship, Falls Victim to Crucible Curse

Kyren Wilson became the 20th first-time World Snooker Champion to fall victim to the 'Crucible Curse,' exiting in the first round of his title defense after a dramatic 10-9 defeat to China's Lei Peifan. Despite a strong start, with Wilson leading 6-2 and having won four ranking titles earlier in the season, Lei mounted an impressive comeback, winning seven frames in a row and ultimately securing victory with a decisive break of 66 in the final frame. The match showcased Lei's resilience, as he overcame nerves and capitalized on Wilson's mistakes, including missed blacks early on. Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of the loss but expressed pride in his season and questioned the weight given to the so-called curse, suggesting it has been exaggerated by media and fans. Lei, a 21-year-old debutant who recently won the Scottish Open, demonstrated composure under pressure and delivered a performance that marked him as a rising star. The result continues the 48-year tradition where no first-time Crucible champion has successfully defended their title.