Kyren Wilson edges past Neil Robertson in Masters thriller
Kyren Wilson showcased exceptional sportsmanship after narrowly defeating Neil Robertson 6-5 in a thrilling final-frame decider at the Masters, immediately praising his opponent’s impressive performance, reports BritPanorama.
The match featured two of the world’s top players and lived up to expectations, captivating a crowd of over 2,000 at Alexandra Palace. Wilson eventually managed to take the victory in a tense encounter.
After his triumph, Wilson told the BBC, “It was a fantastic game and I am glad it lived up to its billing. Neil is a fantastic champion and on any other day he drifts inside the black spot and it’s 6-4.”
Wilson now moves on to face Wu Yize in the semi-finals later tonight at 7pm, with a coveted place in Sunday’s final at stake. His attacking play has been a hallmark of this tournament, evidenced by a remarkable 110 break in the opening frame.
Wilson’s aggressive style helped him build a commanding 4-1 lead, featuring another century along with two half-centuries. However, Robertson, struggling to find his rhythm early on, rallied to win four consecutive frames, taking a 5-4 lead with back-to-back centuries and a 65 break.
Under pressure, Wilson delivered a stunning 111 clearance to pull level at 5-5. He then secured the match with a determined 42 in the decider, a testament to his resolve in high-stakes situations.
This victory comes amid a challenging season for Wilson, who previously revealed that he faced immense pressure, nearly suffering a “mental breakdown” during his last-32 exit at the UK Championship. Adding to his difficulties, the world No 2 had to replace his cue, which was damaged in an accident.
Wilson appears to be regaining both his form and confidence, demonstrated by a crucial long red he potted under pressure, a pivotal moment in the match. Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “I just had to make something happen.”
Meanwhile, his semi-final opponent Wu Yize made a strong statement by defeating Xiao Guodong 6-0 earlier in the day. Wu, who recently claimed his first ranking title, is looking to become the seventh player to win the Masters on debut. “It is definitely a dream stage for me from since I was a little kid,” he remarked.
The tournament continues to unfold, with Wilson and Wu set to provide yet more excitement on a grand stage.
