Kyren Wilson secured his first Masters title with a 10-6 victory over John Higgins at Alexandra Palace, but the £350,000 top prize was significantly reduced by tax and other deductions. The final, described as a 'dogfight' by Wilson, was marred by uncharacteristic errors from both players.
Higgins, at 50, became the oldest player to reach a Triple Crown final, seeking his third Masters title 20 years after his last. However, the Scot admitted he was 'useless' and 'well below his best', despite earlier wins over reigning world champion Zhao Xintong and world number one Judd Trump.
Wilson took a 5-3 lead in the first session, with back-to-back century breaks. In the evening, he extended his lead to 9-5 with a 78 break, his only 50-plus break of the night. Higgins fought back but Wilson closed out the match 10-6.
Wilson, who broke his cue earlier in the season and suffered a last-32 defeat at the UK Championship, said he was 'very close to a mental breakdown' but bounced back to win. 'I didn't know if I was ever going to be back in the winner's enclosure,' he said.
The victory earned Wilson £350,000, but after deductions for tax, agent fees, and other costs, the net amount was substantially lower, a common issue for top snooker players.
