Kyren Wilson intends to take on board the advice given to him by Ronnie O’Sullivan after an early exit from the World Snooker Championship this year, thanking the Rocket for his words of wisdom.

Wilson arrived at the Crucible this year as the defending champion, with four titles to his name this season and many people’s tip to lift the trophy again.

By the end of the first day of the tournament, the Warrior’s battle was over, beaten by debutant Lei Peifan in the opening round in a brilliant contest won 10-9 by the Chinese youngster.

It was a bitter pill to swallow as Wilson arrived in Sheffield full of confidence, but he took his medicine without much complaint, praising Lei’s inspired performance. ‘It was definitely a unique feeling because that’s probably the most confident I’ve ever gone into a World Championship. I really, really fancied winning it,’ Wilson told Metro.

‘My practise form going into the World Championships was right on point. It was right where I wanted it to be. I knew that there was room for improvement, but it was in a nice position where I knew that I could get through and sort of tick over and improve as the tournament went on.

‘But obviously, first round of the Crucible is always a potential banana skin. And obviously there was a lot more on me this time.