Kyren Wilson has won the first Masters title of his career with a 10-6 win over Scottish star John Higgins. The 34-year-old established a 5-3 lead in the opening session of the final at Alexandra Palace and was in pole position to take home the top prize of £350,000.
50-year-old, Higgins, was the oldest finalist at one of the Triple Crown events and began the match confidently as he looked to win the presitigious event for the first time since 2006, but suffered from too many unforced errors and the world number two made him pay. Wilson powered on to a 10-6 victory after the interval and took home the honours.
Higgins took home a cheque for £140,000 but admitted his performance in the final was some way below his high standards – saying ‘tonight is Kyren’s night’. He said on BBC: “The crowd were fantastic. The entrance tonight was one of the best experiences I’ve had as a snooker player. The conditions were asbsolutely fantastic as well. I was just useless!
“But taking no credit away from Kyren – he was by far the better player. He was totally dominant today at 10-6.It’s disappointing because the last two finals I’ve played in I’ve gone out like a light.
“It’s been a good week and I’ve enjoyed it. Just disappointed with the way I performed in the final but listen tonight is Kyren’s night so congratulations to him. He’s a great champion.”
Wilson cut an emotional figure after being crowned Masters champion at the third time of asking and said: “Incredible, in 2018 I lost in the final and cried like a little girl. I’m trying not to cry now because it means so much to me.
“For me, it was an absolute honour, an absolute priviledge to share the table with not only a legend, but an idol of mine. I don’t ever want to tell him that because I need to try and beat him.
“It was just an absolute dogfight from frame one and two. I tried to be as dogged as John has been over the years and that’s why he’s be so successful. I’m glad he’s managed to give me one for a change.
“I never make it easy for myself, I always seem to do it the hard way. I don’t know why, it frustrates the hell out of me – but I will always give it my all. Even if I’m struggling I will fight until the end until I finally get my hands on some silverware.”
The win sees Wilson secure his second Triple Crown title, after his initial attempts at securing a Triple Crown title were unsuccessful. Mark Allen beat him 10–7 in the 2018 Masters final and Ronnie O’Sullivan triumphed 18–8 in the 2020 World Snooker Championship final. However, he clinched his first world title and Triple Crown victory at the 2024 World Snooker Championship, overcoming Jak Jones 18–14 in the final.