Kyren Wilson produced a stunning comeback to defeat Wu Yize 6-5 in a thrilling Johnstone’s Paint Masters semi-final at Alexandra Palace this evening.
The Warrior, as Wilson is known, delivered when it mattered most, compiling a commanding 117-0 clearance in the deciding frame to seal his passage to the final.
Wu had been tantalisingly close to victory, holding a 5-4 advantage and requiring just one more frame to complete a remarkable run on his Masters debut.
Wilson responded magnificently, taking the tenth frame 54-44 to force the decider before producing his dominant final-frame performance to crush his opponent’s hopes.
The Chinese player had delivered a superb display throughout the contest, showcasing the attacking flair that has made him such an exciting prospect.
His route to the brink of the final included an electric break of 71 and an extraordinary treble that left spectators in awe.
Wu capitalised on a frame-winning 87 break to level at 4-4, then seized control with another clinical visit to move within touching distance of an upset.
The debutant demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, sinking long pots with precision and forcing Wilson into errors throughout the evening’s entertainment.
Kyren Wilson wins Master semi-final clash
|
PA
The contest swung back and forth throughout the evening, with neither player able to establish sustained dominance.
Wilson had appeared in control after building a 4-2 lead, cueing with confidence and seemingly racing towards what would have been his sixth century of the week.
However, Wu mounted a spirited recovery, winning consecutive frames to draw level before edging ahead.
The gung-ho attacking approach from both competitors created constant drama, with missed chances and spectacular pots arriving in equal measure.
Wilson now advances to the Masters final where he will face John Higgins
|
PA
Wilson found himself staring at elimination at 4-5 down before producing a superb pot into the middle pocket to create an unexpected opening and keep his hopes alive.
The atmosphere inside Alexandra Palace crackled with excitement as the crowd warmly welcomed Wu to the arena, chanting his name as he approached the table.
Wilson had entered the venue with a smile, appearing relaxed and clearly relishing his snooker once more.
The packed house at Ally Pally had hoped for a decider, and the two players delivered precisely that spectacle.
Five quirky facts about snooker | PA
Wilson now advances to the Masters final, where he will face John Higgins, who defeated world number one Judd Trump on Saturday afternoon.
Higgins also produced a stunning fightback at Alexandra Palace to win 6-5.
The victory ended a miserable run of seven consecutive losses against the Englishman, a streak that stretched back to their 2019 World Championship final.
The much-anticipated Masters final will take place on Sunday, January 18.
