World champion Kyren Wilson has booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Masters, defeating China's Si Jiahui in a commanding 6-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Curious Pattern Continues
The result maintained a remarkable statistical quirk at this year's tournament: every match played up to and including Wilson's had finished with an identical 6-2 scoreline. The world number two, who lost to Shaun Murphy in the 2023 final, looked in determined form as he seeks his first title of the season.
Wilson Overcomes Early Season Struggles
Speaking before the match, Wilson had described his recent first-round exit to Elliot Slessor at the UK Championship as "one of the lowest points I've ever had". His campaign had been further hampered by breaking his cue at the start of the season, leaving him without a tournament win so far.
Against Si, however, he looked back to his best. After edging a tactical opening frame, Wilson threatened a maximum 147 break in the next, potting ten reds and blacks before narrowly missing the 11th red. He moved into a 2-0 lead, and although Si responded with a fine break of 97, Wilson took a 3-1 advantage into the mid-session interval.
Centuries Seal the Deal
Si fought back to take a close fifth frame, but Wilson then stamped his authority on the contest. He claimed the sixth frame 82-28 before wrapping up an impressive performance with back-to-back century breaks of 101 and 105.
In a post-match interview, a relieved and upbeat Wilson paid tribute to the crowd and expressed his renewed confidence with his equipment. "It has been a really tough time so I thank you for all your love you have given me, it really lifted me," he said. "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."
What Happens Next?
Wilson now awaits the winner of Wednesday's match between Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin for a place in the semi-finals. In the other half of the draw, John Higgins faces Barry Hawkins in Tuesday's late session at the Masters.
