KYREN WILSON lifted the lid on the cue-launching controversy which marred his International Championship triumph.

The 2024 world champion’s conduct came into question when he chucked his cue on the table in a 6-5 victory over Liam Highfield at the International Championship before going on to lift the trophy.

Frustrations had got the beter of Wilson, as the incident occured when Highfield moved into a 5-3 lead at time, stunning the referee.

But the 34-year-old snooker star insists there is little he would have done differently when asked to reflect on the unsavoury episode.

He said: “The only thing I regret, it looked like my anger was outed towards the referee, so I actually bought him a cupcake just to say sorry, and it was nothing to do with him.

“I hold my hands up for that, but I’ll never hold my hands up for how passionate I am about the game and my performances.”

Kyren’s brother and agent, Taylor, defended his brother’s antics, but fellow snooker star Neil Robertson was far less understanding in his verdict.

The Australian posted on X: “Obviously Kyren would like his time again and you have addressed it Taylor Wilson.

“But in general the sporting conduct in snooker is in the absolute bin and something really needs to be done about it.

“In other instances I’m seeing the equivalent of players launch their golf bag down as someone is about to make a putt and think it’s clever play if they miss.

“Seems the only referees in our sport who don’t physically have a pair are the ones who have any balls to call this behaviour out.

“The integrity of snooker has fallen off a cliff [compared] to 20 years ago.”

This isn’t the first time Wilson has landed himself in hot water for throwing a cue, after expressing his frustration in the same way when Mark Selby landed a fortunate snooker in the English Open two months ago.

Wilson will be hoping to avoid further controversy when he faces Shaun Murphy in the Champion of Champions semi-finals on Saturday.