"World Champ Seeks Solution, Unearths Insight through Hypnotherapy in Snooker Breakthrough"
Setbacks and Sanctuary: How Kyren Wilson Copes with Snooker's Pressure Cooker Environment
Kyren Wilson, the world no.2 in snooker, conquered the snooker world in 2024 with an 18-14 win over Jak Jones at the Crucible Theatre, solidifying his status as a top-tier player. The crucible of competition, however, doesn't come without its aches and pains.
Comparing the scene of the playing arena to a "bear pit," Wilson echoed renowned snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan's sentiments, who once deemed snooker a "horrible sport." Delving into the mental turmoil that ensues when stepping into the hubbub of the arena, Wilson explained, "Once you get out into that arena, nobody can help you, you can't turn to anyone, it's just you and your mind really."
In the heat of competition, negative feelings can creep in, weighing down a player. Wilson has unveiled a unique strategy to quell these feelings, anchored in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. He revealed this strategy during an appearance on talkSPORT Breakfast.
During the discussion, co-host Dean Saunders brought up the subject of Ronnie O'Sullivan's anxiety and how it impacts their performance. Wilson kept an open mind, asserting, "I think for us as top players, it's such an addictive game because feeling like you can conquer your own mind out there is very, very pleasing."
When faced with thoughts of losing a match, Wilson admitted he once struggled with these thoughts. As a solution, he sought guidance from a solution hypnotherapist, who introduced him to the concept of a "stress bucket." Wilson shared, "For me in particular, I've been working with a solution hypnotherapist. So, we call it a stress bucket and if your stress bucket is full, and you go out there and you're thinking all of those things, inevitably that's going to happen."
The wisdom Wilson obtained from his solution hypnotherapist has equipped him with the tools to maintain a more positive mindset during high-pressure situations. He instilled, "Because what you tell your brain... your brain doesn't know the difference between what's reality and what's false so the more you tell it something, it's going to react to that voice. So you've got to try and keep things as positive as possible, it's always good to back up your feelings with factual advice."
With Solution Focused Hypnotherapy as his secret weapon, Wilson found his stride, returning to the World Championship this year as defending champion. Despite a shock first-round defeat to Lei Peifan, Wilson remained upbeat, wishing Lei all the best for the rest of the tournament.
Meanwhile, seven-time world champion O'Sullivan looks set to exit at the semi-final stage, trailing Zhao Xintong 12-4, who has so far won all eight frames in this morning's session. The resumption of play is set for this evening.
In his quest to cope with snooker's demanding environment, Kyren Wilson, the world no.2, sought help from a solution hypnotherapist, making him less weighed down by negative feelings during high-pressure matches – a form of betting on his mental well-being in the sports arena. Wilson admitted that previously, he struggled with thoughts of losing, but the guidance from the hypnotherapist helped him manage these anxieties using a concept dubbed the "stress bucket." However, Wilson's strategy did not guarantee a win in the ongoing World Championship, as he was unfortunately defeated in the first round by Lei Peifan, despite being the defending champion.
