In a thrilling yet error-prone Masters final, Kyren Wilson finally claimed his first Masters title, leaving snooker legend John Higgins’s dreams of making history in tatters. But here's where it gets controversial: was this a triumph of resilience or a missed opportunity for Higgins? Let’s dive in.
The stage was set at Alexandra Palace, where Higgins, at 50, became the oldest player to reach a Triple Crown final, aiming for his third Masters title—a feat he last achieved two decades ago. Yet, the match fell short of expectations, marred by uncharacteristic mistakes from both players. Wilson, a two-time runner-up, grinded out a 5-3 lead in the first session before sealing a 10-6 victory, pocketing the £350,000 prize.
Emotions ran high as Wilson reflected on his journey. “In 2018, I lost in the final and cried like a baby,” he told the BBC. “I’m trying not to cry now because this means everything to me.” He also paid tribute to Higgins, calling him both a legend and an idol—though he cheekily admitted he’d never tell Higgins that, as he’s determined to beat him. “It was a dogfight from the start,” Wilson added, praising Higgins’s tenacity while savoring his hard-fought win.
Higgins, who had stunned reigning world champion Zhao Xintong and world No. 1 Judd Trump in nail-biting deciders, was uncharacteristically self-critical. “I was useless,” he admitted. “Kyren was the better player—he dominated completely.” But is it fair to write off Higgins’s performance entirely, or did Wilson’s grit simply outshine the veteran’s experience?
The match had its moments: Higgins took the first frame with a 58 break and led in the second, only to miss three straightforward pots, allowing Wilson to level. Wilson surged to a 3-1 lead, but Higgins fought back, leveraging his experience to tie it 3-3. However, back-to-back century breaks from Wilson gave him a 5-3 advantage heading into the evening session.
Higgins narrowed the gap with a 71 break, but a risky double attempt backfired, letting Wilson regain control. While Wilson’s play was far from flawless, Higgins struggled to capitalize on his opponent’s errors. A 78 break—Wilson’s only 50-plus score of the night—put him 9-5 ahead, and despite Higgins’s refusal to yield, the 34-year-old crossed the finish line.
And this is the part most people miss: Wilson’s victory wasn’t just about this match. He revealed he’d broken his cue at the start of the campaign and felt “very lost” after a devastating UK Championship defeat to Elliot Slessor, where he was on the brink of a mental breakdown. “I thought I was done,” admitted the 2024 world champion. “I didn’t know if I’d ever recover.”
So, here’s the question: Is Kyren Wilson’s win a testament to his mental fortitude, or did Higgins simply have an off day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
