Gary Wilson Battles Yips Ahead of Crucible Qualification Run
Snooker pro Gary Wilson has had a disappointing season following his Scottish and Welsh Open victories in 2023/24. The “Tyneside Terrier” dropped out of the top 16 and now faces having to qualify for the World Championship at the Crucible.
Wilson, 39, has been grappling with the “yips”, a mental issue that manifests as physical difficulties in his game. He even sought advice from seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, who battled the yips himself late in his career. Despite the challenge, Wilson takes full responsibility for his poor performance.
“I’ve accepted it for what it is. I’ve had a bad season, and it’s my own fault,” Wilson admitted in an interview. “I’ve lost games I shouldn’t be losing and playing how I shouldn’t be playing. A lot of messing around, tinkering, trying to find answers that might not be there.”
The yips affect Wilson’s ability to pause at the top of his backswing, causing him to rush through shots due to a lack of self-confidence. Although he has managed to win tournaments while dealing with this issue, Wilson recognizes the need to address it head-on.
Wilson hit rock bottom at the Masters in January, declaring, “My game’s shot.” However, he has since been working hard to overcome the yips and regain a consistent playing style. His primary focus is on fixing his game for the upcoming season, regardless of his World Championship result.
“A lot of it is due to confidence and faith in what you’re doing. That’ll only happen if you stick to what you’re doing, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Wilson explained. “I’m a harsh critic of myself, and I believe I can get towards the top of the sport.”
Key takeaway: Gary Wilson, a rising snooker star, has struggled this season due to the “yips”, a mental hurdle affecting his physical game. Despite seeking advice from Stephen Hendry and working hard to overcome the issue, Wilson takes full responsibility for his performance. As he prepares for the World Championship qualifiers, Wilson remains focused on regaining his form and confidence for the upcoming season.
