'Crucible Curse' strikes Wilson as champion is dumped out by China's Peifan

OUT YOU GO: Kyren Wilson during his match against Lei Peifan (not pictured) during day one of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Picture date: Saturday April 19, 2025.

Kyren Wilson fell victim to the 'Crucible Curse' as he crashed out in the first round of the World Snooker Championship in a dramatic 10-9 defeat to China's world number 39 Lei Peifan.

Wilson lost seven frames in a row in the course of becoming the 20th first-time Crucible champion to fail to defend his title, and the seventh to fall in the first round the following year.