The Masters quarter-finals have taken shape, with former world champion Kyren Wilson and two-time champion John Higgins securing their spots in the last eight. Wilson, who has been through a tumultuous few months, put his UK Championship disappointment behind him with a superb 6-2 victory over China's Si Jiahui.
Wilson's win was a testament to his resilience, having struggled with a replacement cue after his trusty one was damaged earlier in the season. The 34-year-old Englishman had been using the new cue for a month and looked happy, confident, and rejuvenated at Alexandra Palace. His performance was a far cry from his emotional 6-4 loss to Elliot Slessor at the UK Championship, where he admitted to being "close to a mental breakdown."
Wilson's victory was marked by some exceptional snooker, including a remarkable attempt at a maximum 147 in the second frame. Although he fell short, potting 10 reds and 10 blacks before his attempt ended at 80, he went on to make the 545th century of his career in frame seven with an effort of 101. The century was sealed with an audacious no-look shot on the black, showcasing his skill and finesse. He followed that with another century, a 105, to seal the victory and book his spot in the quarter-finals.
Wilson's journey to the quarter-finals has not been easy, having struggled to come to terms with the loss of his trusty cue. The cue, which he used to win the world title in May 2024, was damaged while being refurbished at the start of the season. Wilson described the incident as "a freak accident totally out of my control" and one that had "ruined the cue I was conquering the world with." However, with his new cue, Wilson is starting to find his form, and his victory over Si Jiahui is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
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.
Wilson will meet either Australia's Neil Robertson or England's Chris Wakelin in the next round, and he is confident that his new cue will give him the edge he needs to succeed. "When you go out there and can't trust what you're using, you have no chance," he said. "I think this cue is better because there's a bit more power, a bit more whip, and it's about learning how to control that - I've had a month to get used to it, I've had to modify my cue action."
In the evening session, John Higgins moved into a 16th Masters quarter-final with a 6-2 success over Barry Hawkins. The 50-year-old Scottish legend was in excellent form, making six half-century breaks - 50, 71, 53, 99, 58, and 61 - to see off the two-time Masters runner-up. Higgins' victory sets up a last-eight tie against reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, and he will be looking to draw on his experience to overcome the Chinese sensation.
Higgins' performance was a masterclass in snooker, with his ability to score heavily and consistently proving too much for Hawkins. The Englishman struggled to keep pace with Higgins, who looked every bit the two-time champion. With his victory, Higgins continues a remarkable run at this year's Masters, where all six matches have ended 6-2.
The Masters quarter-finals are shaping up to be an exciting affair, with some of the biggest names in snooker vying for the top prize. With Wilson and Higgins joining the likes of Zhao Xintong and Wu Yize in the last eight, the competition is heating up. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect some thrilling matches, and the stakes will only get higher. Who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted Masters title? Only time will tell.
The road to the Masters title is never easy, but for Kyren Wilson and John Higgins, the journey has just begun. With their victories, they have proven that they have the skill, the talent, and the determination to succeed at the highest level. As the quarter-finals approach, the tension will build, and the snooker world will be watching with bated breath. Will Wilson and Higgins be able to overcome their opponents and make it to the final, or will they fall short? The Masters is known for its unpredictability, and this year's tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
The Masters quarter-finals will be a true test of skill, strategy, and mental toughness. With the best players in the world competing, the matches will be intense, and the competition will be fierce. Wilson and Higgins have proven themselves to be among the best, but they will need to be at the top of their game if they are to succeed. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only get higher, and the pressure will only increase. Who will be able to handle the pressure and emerge victorious? The world will be watching as the Masters quarter-finals get underway.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
