The Masters tournament has witnessed a peculiar phenomenon, with every match at Alexandra Palace this week culminating in a 6-2 scoreline. This trend persisted as Kyren Wilson and John Higgins emerged victorious, defeating their opponents with the same score. Wilson, the 2024 world champion, impressed with his win over Si Jiahui, while Higgins saw off Barry Hawkins in the evening session.
Wilson's victory was a testament to his resilience, having experienced a disappointing first-round exit at the UK Championship. He began strongly, edging the first frame and then narrowly missing a maximum break in the second. Although Si Jiahui managed to get on the board with a well-crafted break of 97, Wilson re-established his lead at 3-1 heading into the mid-session interval. The world No 2 then sealed his win with successive century breaks of 101 and 105, showcasing his mastery of the game.
Wilson expressed his gratitude to the crowd, stating, "It has been a really tough time so I thank you for all your love you have given me, it really lifted me. This venue can bring the best out of you. I still have a lot of time in this game so hopefully I can conquer this venue for a long time. Having a cue I’m happy with, I’m just so excited I can deliver – the cue is so important. When you go out there and can’t trust what you’re using, you have no chance."
Higgins, a two-time Masters champion, was in vintage form as he defeated Hawkins. Despite losing the first frame, the 50-year-old Scot eased into a 3-1 lead, eventually completing six half-centuries with a highest break of 99. His victory sets up an enticing quarter-final clash against the reigning world champion, Zhao Xintong, on Thursday.
The curious trend of 6-2 scorelines has raised eyebrows, with many speculating about the reasons behind this phenomenon. While it may be mere coincidence, it is undeniable that the players have been delivering exceptional performances. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and potentially, a continuation of this unusual trend.
The Masters tournament will continue with more exciting matches, including the encounter between Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin on Wednesday. The winner of this match will face Wilson in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Higgins will face Zhao Xintong in what promises to be a captivating clash.
As the tournament unfolds, fans will be eagerly anticipating the next matches, hoping to witness more exceptional performances and potentially, a continuation of the 6-2 scoreline trend. With the world's top snooker players gathered at Alexandra Palace, the stage is set for a thrilling competition that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The importance of a good cue cannot be overstated, as Wilson's win demonstrated. His newfound confidence with his cue has made a significant difference in his game, allowing him to deliver impressive performances. As the players progress through the tournament, their equipment and mental preparation will be crucial in determining the outcome of the matches.
In the world of professional snooker, experience and skill are essential for success. Higgins, a veteran player, has consistently demonstrated his mastery of the game, while Wilson, the 2024 world champion, has shown his ability to adapt and overcome challenges. As the tournament continues, fans can expect to see more thrilling matches between the world's top snooker players.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
