Snooker legends dine on Kyren Wilson inspired menu at first World Champions Dinner in Sheffield

On Good Friday, there will be a special ‘green carpet ceremony’ where several top players including defending champion Kyren Wilson and world number one Judd Trump will grace a green carpet that will be laid from the Winter Garden to the adjacent Crucible Theatre.

The traditional media day on the eve of the opening session of the blue riband event, MC Rob Walker will be in Tudor Square outside snooker’s famous arena interviewing special guests and conducting giveaways for fans.

In the Fanzone area, some of the contestants in this year’s tournament will play fans on the small sized tables there.

Prior to this on Thursday night, the first WPBSA Players World Champions Dinner was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sheffield - an idea inspired by the annual Masters golf major at the Augusta National where winners of the title come together shortly before the main draw competition breaks off.

A total of 11 World Champions attended the inaugural staging of this unique event - Kyren Wilson, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Cliff Thorburn, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Peter Ebdon, Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Stuart Bingham.

Those in attendance at the Dinner were each presented a ‘Champions Jacket’ - similar to the ‘Green Jacket’ awarded to the winner of the Masters golf - that was designed by McCann Bespoke in London and has a World Championship trophy logo emblazoned on it, their surname, and when they won the title.

In the event programme, WPBSA Players Chairman and 1997 Crucible conqueror Ken Doherty welcomed the champions to the first staging of the Dinner:

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural WPBSA Players Champions Dinner - a celebration of the incredible talent, dedication, and achievements that define professional snooker.

“Tonight we honour our World Champions, past and present, whose skill and determination have inspired generations.

“Whether with us in person or spirit, each has left an incredible mark on our sport, and we are grateful for their contributions.

“A special thank you to Kyren Wilson for co-hosting this evening as our defending champion. Kyren, your triumph last year was a testament to perseverance and excellence, and we are delighted to share this occasion with you.”

Kyren Wilson helps select menu for first Champions Dinner

Just as at the Masters golf each year, the reigning champion Wilson hosted the former champions for the Dinner and helped pick the food.

Each course was a ‘frame’, with the Kyren Wilson inspired menu being:

First frame

• Prawn cocktail
• Mushroom soup, truffle oil

Second frame

• Slow cooked beef, red wine jus served with potatoes and vegetables and a Yorkshire pudding
• Spiced chickpea and vegetable stew with rice

Third frame

• Sticky toffee pudding with custard or ice cream
• Cheesecake

Final frame

• Cheese board

As per tradition, reigning champion Wilson will start and complete his first round match on the opening day of the Championship this Saturday.

Wilson faces Crucible debutant Lei Peifan.