Overview
- Wilson lost 6–4 to Elliot Slessor in the last 32 at York Barbican, exiting the tournament after a tense match.
- Saying he felt "very lost," Wilson told reporters he was close to a mental breakdown, admitted he did not want to be out there, and said he considered walking off.
- He said the cue he used to win the world title was damaged during refurbishment earlier this season, leaving him to experiment with a replacement and multiple tips on the day of the match.
- Wilson described the table as "unplayable" with tight pockets and a cloth offering minimal grip; Slessor acknowledged the table played tight but handled it better to progress.
- The defeat extends a poor run in which Wilson has struggled to advance deep at ranking events, as WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson offered support and said he had spoken with Wilson; Slessor faces Barry Hawkins in the last 16.