Kyren Wilson hit a stunning maximum break as he earned a spot in the UK Championship second round, but admitted it wasn’t all plain sailing against world No.125 Ashley Hugill. 

Having raced into a 1-0 lead with a century break at the Marshall Arena, Wilson found it hard to brush off his opponent before unleashing an incredible 147 in the sixth frame - the third of his career. 

Hugill continued to fight and drew level at 4-4 with two half-centuries, before Wilson showed his class to see out the contest with two successive breaks over 50 of his own. 

And while acknowledging there is plenty of room for improvement as he looks to go one further than the quarter-finals of the first Triple Crown event of the season - his best showing so far - Wilson was full of praise for Hugill’s performance. 

“I’m really proud of that,” the 28-year-old said. “It’s amazing to have another 147, especially in a Triple Crown event because you know everyone’s watching. I’ll admit I did get nervous. 

“It’s been a strange day of snooker - I had so many kicks I felt I was going to have a kick on every shot. I let it get the better of me and it affected my timing slightly. 

“I kept telling myself I’d get another chance, I kept calm and I was pleased with how I saw the game out. 

“I think he’s a dangerous young player - he’s solid all round. It’s tough being on the TV table when you’re not used to it and I thought he handled it well. His white ball was slightly out but hopefully he can push on up through the rankings.”

As a four-time ranking event winner and a World Championship and Masters runner-up, Wilson is desperate to finally get over the line at one of snooker’s most coveted events. 

With the UK Championship having temporarily moved from its usual home at the Barbican Centre in York to Milton Keynes, the world No.4 believes the change in venue could stand his bid for glory in good stead. 

Wilson added: “I’m quite a confident lad and that performance doesn’t really show how I’m feeling about my ability at the minute. I’ve had a pretty good start to the season, so I’m feeling good, but these are the events you want to do well in. 

“I’ve probably not done too well before because I love York so much! I like the downtime at the UK Championship, so maybe I can knuckle down this week, not enjoy Milton Keynes so much and try and do better.” 

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