Gilbert’s worlds bid ended in semi-final defeat to Wilson
DAVID Gilbert’s World Championship campaign was ended at the semi-final stage with a 17-11 defeat to Kyren Wilson.
Gilbert, the co-owner of Potters Snooker & Pool Club in Swadlincote, obviously came away disappointed but can reflect that he has got his career back on track during this fortnight.
He exited this year’s tournament as the heaviest scorer, with the most centuries, but the key moments went against him and, well as he played, Wilson had one or two fortunate moments on the table which eluded Gilbert.
“It’s been a great run and it was a very disappointing way to go out because I really believed I could win that game,” he said.
“I had more than enough chances to do that but good luck to Kyren.
“I have nothing to feel too bad about, I just lost a game of snooker.
“I want to say thanks to anyone who was in the crowd on both days – the reception we got when we walked out was very special and I’ll always remember it.
“A big thanks to my mate Andy Lee – I’ll be buying the ale.
“I’d love to get back in the top 16, I miss it and feel that I can be a top 16 player, so we’ll see.
“I’m looking forward to next season.”
Gilbert has credited Lee, himself a respected player, with turning his form around through a fitness regime and a dollop of sports psychology after a spell when he was out of love with the game.
He started this tournament, after battling through the qualifying stages, by seeing off reigning world champion Luca Brecel, then beat Rob Milkins and Stephen Maguire to reach the semi-final.
Gilbert is popular on the circuit, too, and Brecel said after his defeat: “I just like Dave, he’s a bit like me, he’s very down to earth, says it how it is and doesn’t take himself too seriously, which is fantastic.
“I really love him, he’s a good guy.”
In the semi-final, the players could not be separated as the first two sessions saw them locked at 8-8.
But five frames in succession in their second session on Friday evening saw Wilson forge ahead, Gilbert ending the session with a well-crafted century to go into Saturday 14-10 down.
And he began with a framewinning 70 to make it 14-11 and raise hopes of a comeback before Wilson put that to bed.
He is playing Jak Jones in the final after he saw off Stuart Bingham 17-12.