Snooker star Kyren Wilson has secured a place in the Masters final for the second year running, overcoming significant personal challenges off the table to stage a remarkable comeback in his semi-final.
A Dramatic Semi-Final Comeback
The 2024 world champion looked set for defeat in his last-four clash against China's Wu Yize. Trailing 5-4 and with his opponent building a substantial break in the tenth frame, Wilson's tournament seemed over. However, a surprising miss from Wu on a simple red handed Wilson a lifeline, which he seized to level the match.
Demonstrating immense composure, Wilson, known as 'The Warrior', then produced a superb break of 116 in the deciding frame to win 6-5. This victory sets up a final showdown on Sunday at Alexandra Palace against the experienced John Higgins, who defeated world number one Judd Trump by an identical scoreline.
Personal Battles Away From The Baize
Wilson's path to this final has been far from straightforward. Earlier this season, the player from Kettering was forced to drastically cut back on his practice time due to his wife Sophie's serious health issues. Wilson revealed he had barely played for four or five weeks as he prioritised his family.
This is not the first time family health has taken precedence. Prior to his World Championship triumph in 2024, Sophie, who has epilepsy, suffered a silent stroke. Simultaneously, one of their sons, Bailey, was seriously ill and had an accident at school requiring multiple hospital visits.
The strain manifested publicly during a 6-4 defeat to Elliot Slessor in the UK Championship first round in November. An emotional Wilson confessed he was close to a "mental breakdown" during the match, stating he felt "very lost" and was "angry" after the cue he used to win the world title was damaged in a refurbishment accident.
Career Earnings and Net Worth
Despite the recent turmoil, Wilson's career on the table has been highly lucrative. According to tracking site CueTracker, he has earned nearly £4.8 million in prize money throughout his professional career. This includes the £500,000 top prize for his 2024 World Championship victory.
His total estimated net worth is around £6 million. While this does not yet place him in snooker's all-time top ten earners, a list led by legend Steve Davis, the 34-year-old has ample time to climb the rankings, starting with a potential first Masters title this weekend.
