Kyren Wilson feels it is an open World Snooker Championship this year, but has picked out his four most likely winners, a list which includes himself.
Many would agree that the 2024 world champion has every chance of lifting the trophy at the Crucible again, despite an unusual season so far.
The Warrior has won the Masters and Shanghai Masters, two superb victories, but both are non-ranking events.
In the ranking tournaments it has been something of a struggle and Wilson did not qualify for the 16-man Players Championship or 12-man Tour Championship in recent weeks.
However, just two years after winning the world title and with a run to another final on his CV, Wilson is undoubtedly a contender ahead of his campaign getting underway against Stan Moody on Monday morning.
Alongside himself, he reckons the defending champion and two former winners are also serious challengers this year.
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‘I think I’m right in there in the mix myself,’ Wilson said of contenders for the title this year. ‘I think [Zhao] Xintong, the way he’s been playing. He’s right up there. He’s won four tournaments. He’s been a fantastic world champion.
‘I think Ronnie’s going to be gunning for it. He’s been practising very, very hard in China. Looked good in China. Making that history, the 153 break [at the World Open].
‘Judd Trump’s been very consistent. But also 11 Chinese players. So you wouldn’t put it past a Chinese winner again, would you?’
Zhao Xintong is the most likely Chinese winner as he looks to defend his title and break the Crucible curse by doing so.
He has already got his campaign off to a winning start, not looking near his best but doing enough in a 10-7 victory over Liam Highfield.
The usually calm and composed world champion admitted the pressure got to him on the opening day of the tournament on Saturday.
‘Tonight [there was] pressure. Its very difficult for me,’ he told the BBC after beating Highfield. ‘Two days ago I think I could control that, but now no. Tonight was big pressure.
‘I think it’s good, because I know it’s a big moment for this season and I still can make a break. I try to control myself and enjoy the table, but tonight I didn’t do it well.’
Wilson may have named his four likeliest contenders, but says he would not be surprised if it was one of a much bigger number of players lifting the title on May 4.
‘There might be a favourite here and there, but I can’t guarantee who’s going to win it,’ said the world number two. ‘You could literally pick about 10 to 16 players that could go on and win this tournament.
‘It makes it more watchable. There’s more appeal to it. I think all of a sudden a new champion can arise that you might not have thought of.
‘I think it’s going to be really exciting. I think it’s going to be a really competitive World Championship.’
Wilson takes on Moody over two sessions on Monday at 10am and 7pm.