LONDON — In a breathtaking display of nerve and skill, Kyren Wilson edged out former champion Neil Robertson 6-5 in a final-frame thriller to secure his place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Masters at Alexandra Palace. The match, a true classic of the modern era, saw the ‘Warrior’ Wilson hold his nerve in a dramatic decider to set up a last-four clash with China’s Wu Yize.
Wilson, the 2020 champion, had to dig deeper than ever before to overcome the Australian, who fought back valiantly from 5-3 down to force a nail-biting conclusion. The contest was a masterclass in break-building and tactical acumen, featuring four centuries and five further breaks over 50. The tension in the iconic arena was palpable as the clock ticked past midnight, with the outcome hanging on a knife-edge until the final black ball was potted.
A High-Quality Battle from the Off
The tone for the match was set immediately, with both players showcasing their formidable scoring power. Robertson, a two-time Masters winner known for his fluid, attacking style, opened with a break of 130. Wilson, undeterred, responded in kind, taking the second frame with a run of 78. The third frame was a pivotal early moment, a scrappy affair that Wilson eventually claimed to take a 2-1 lead, demonstrating his ability to win the tactical battles as well as the free-flowing ones.
The middle session of the match transformed into a break-building exhibition. Wilson compiled a superb 134 to lead 3-1, only for Robertson to reply with a 105, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Wilson then restored his two-frame cushion with a 66 before Robertson again responded, making it 4-3. The eighth frame proved crucial, as Wilson, under immense pressure, crafted a magnificent century break of 125 to move within one frame of victory at 5-3.
The Robertson Fightback and Decider Drama
With his back against the wall, Robertson summoned all his champion’s pedigree. He dominated the ninth frame and then, in the tenth, produced a stunning clearance under duress to force a decider, sending the Ally Pally crowd into a frenzy. The momentum had decisively swung. Speaking after the match, Wilson admitted, "At 5-3, I felt good, but Neil is such a class act. To make that clearance to go 5-5, I was just thinking 'here we go again.'"
The final frame was a nerve-shredding affair, a stark contrast to the free-flowing snooker that preceded it. Both players had chances, but the tension led to uncharacteristic errors. Robertson, in particular, will rue a missed red to the middle when in amongst the balls. Wilson eventually gained the upper hand in a safety exchange, crafting a break of 56 that looked set to seal it. However, he missed a tricky red along the cushion, leaving Robertson a glimmer of hope with 59 points remaining.
Robertson cleared the colours up to the pink but left himself a difficult long pink to the green pocket. His attempt rattled the jaws, leaving Wilson with a simple pot on the pink for victory. As the ball dropped, Wilson let out a roar of relief and triumph, having conquered one of the game’s greats in one of the tournament’s great matches. A reflective Robertson later stated, "It was a fantastic game. I gave it everything. Kyren held strong at the end and deserved it."
Wilson's Path to the Semis and Looking Ahead
This victory marks a significant milestone for Wilson, who has often found Robertson a tough opponent. His route to the semi-finals has been impressive, showcasing a blend of grit and flair. Key factors in his win over Robertson included:
- Mental Fortitude: Overcoming the disappointment of letting a 5-3 lead slip and regrouping for the decider.
- Clinical Century-Building: His three century breaks (134, 125, 100) came at critical moments to halt Robertson’s momentum.
- Safety Game: Winning the key tactical frames, particularly the third and the closing stages of the decider.
The win sets up a fascinating semi-final clash with Wu Yize, who is enjoying a dream debut at the Masters. Wilson will be the clear favourite, but he is taking nothing for granted. "Wu is a fantastic talent," Wilson said. "He's here on merit, beating Mark Williams, so I know I'll have to be at my best again. This tournament is about handling the occasion, and he's clearly doing that."
A Classic Adds to Masters Lore
The 2024 Masters has already provided unforgettable drama, and the Wilson-Robertson quarter-final will undoubtedly be remembered as one of its highlights. It had all the ingredients of a classic: two elite competitors, the highest quality of play, a dramatic comeback, and a final-frame decider settled by the finest of margins. For Robertson, it is a bitter pill to swallow, but his performance reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s great entertainers.
For Kyren Wilson, this victory is more than just a semi-final berth; it is a statement. Beating a player of Robertson’s calibre in such a manner under the brightest lights proves his credentials as a major champion and a man for the big occasion. As he prepares for his semi-final, he does so with the confidence of a player who has just won a psychological battle of the highest order, knowing his game and his temperament are perfectly tuned for the challenges that lie ahead at the Ally Pally.
