Kyren Wilson makes bold title boast as John Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan told brutal home truths

Kyren Wilson has told snooker's Class of 92 veterans that he's winning in the toughest era ever.

The Warrior became world champion last May at the Crucible, and has followed it up with success at the Xi’an Grand Prix, Northern Ireland Open and German Masters as he prepares to defend his crown. But with a packed rankings list and a host of young Chinese players making their mark, Wilson believes the competition is far more fierce than it was when Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams were dominating the sport.

The three Class of 92 members have won 14 world titles between them and remain in the world's top 16, despite nearing their 50th birthday, but Wilson reckons their longevity has been boosted by not facing the same strength of field. Speaking to SportsBoom he said: "Nowadays you’re getting really lower-ranked players repeatedly beating the top players.

“Just look at Wu Yize when he got to the English Open final earlier this season, beating the likes of Judd Trump and giving Neil Robertson a scare in the final. The young Chinese players, in particular, are so hungry and determined to be successful.

"And there’s just so many more and more coming through, you’ve just got to keep on top of your game, keep working hard and at times put snooker first. It’s a lot more difficult now to win titles, it’s a different era to when Ronnie [O’Sullivan] and John [Higgins] were battling each other."

Wilson says he's cherished being world champion, and has no intention of giving up his crown when the action in Sheffield gets underway in April. He continued: "I really want to make being world champion count, you’re only going to be a first-time world champion once at the end of the day.

“You have to make the next season