Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson appeared to roll his eyes during his introduction at the Crucible Theatre as he began his title defence.
The 33-year-old snooker star returned to Sheffield to face world No.36 Lei Peifan in his opening match of the 2025 World Snooker Championship.
Wilson's reaction came as iconic BBC announcer Rob Walker mentioned the possibility of him retaining his crown.
The eye roll seemed to acknowledge the infamous "Crucible curse" that has plagued first-time champions since 1977.
Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson appeared to roll his eyes during his introduction at the Crucible Theatre as he began his title defence
BBC
Wilson claimed the world title last year with an 18-14 victory over Jak Jones, pocketing the £500,000 prize.
He now faces the daunting task of becoming only the ninth player to win the tournament in consecutive years.
Walker gave Wilson a grand welcome as he entered the historic Sheffield venue on the tournament's opening day.
"To a man who has been riding the crest of a Crucible wave for 12 months," Walker announced to the crowd.
"Following up the victory here with five finals and four titles, in an almost flawless season so far. Could he do it again? Let's find out."
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Kyren Wilson doesn't appear fazed by pressure at the World Snooker Championship
PAThe announcer concluded: "Here he comes, the reigning, defending, champion of the world, Kyren Wilson."
It was at the mention of potentially retaining his title that Wilson appeared to roll his eyes.
The snooker star seemed to be engaged in a conversation backstage during his introduction.
It remains unclear whether Wilson's reaction was directed at Walker's comments or his backstage interaction.
Either way, his response suggested awareness of the daunting challenge ahead.
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The Crucible curse refers to the fact that no first-time world champion has ever successfully defended their title the following year.
Since the tournament moved to its current Sheffield venue in 1977, the curse has affected 19 consecutive debut champions.
Some have come close to breaking it, with Joe Johnson and Ken Doherty both reaching the final the year after their maiden victories.
Most champions, however, fall far short of that mark.
The curse struck as recently as 2023 when Luca Brecel lost in the first round of the 2024 tournament after winning the title the previous year.
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In fact, seven first-time champions have been eliminated in their opening match the following year.
The curse has become such a prominent feature of snooker folklore that players and fans alike acknowledge its psychological impact.
Wilson is determined to break the curse on his return to South Yorkshire.
The Warrior has even taken matters into his own hands with a humorous approach to tackling the superstition.
He posted a comedic video on social media showing his attempts to "exorcise the demons" of the Crucible curse.
Kyren Wilson won the World Snooker Championship in 2024PAIn the playful clip, Wilson deliberately engaged with activities traditionally considered unlucky.
He was seen smashing a mirror, one of the most notorious symbols of bad luck.
The world champion also held his Championship trophy next to a black cat, another classic superstition.
Whether these lighthearted efforts will help Wilson overcome the weight of history, however, remains to be seen.
