LONDON — Kyren Wilson finally claimed the one major title that had eluded him, lifting the Paul Hunter Trophy for the first time with a 10-6 victory over John Higgins in the final of the 2024 Masters at Alexandra Palace.
In a match that promised a classic but ultimately failed to scale the expected heights, the 31-year-old Wilson produced a gritty and determined display to overcome the four-time world champion. The triumph marks a monumental moment in Wilson’s career, securing the prestigious Masters title to add to his 2020 World Championship final appearance and cementing his status among snooker’s elite.
The final, played out in front of a raucous North London crowd, was a tense, tactical affair punctuated by errors from both players. While Wilson held the lead for almost the entirety of the contest, the anticipated free-flowing break-building was largely absent, replaced by a battle of safety and resolve. "It wasn't pretty at times," Wilson admitted afterwards, "but to get my name on that trophy is an absolute dream come true."
A Dream Realised at the Palace
For Kyren Wilson, known as ‘The Warrior’ for his tenacious style, this victory represents the culmination of years of striving on the sport’s biggest stages. A runner-up in the 2020 World Championship and a semi-finalist in this event in 2018, he has long been considered a player destined for multiple Triple Crown titles. This win breaks that duck in emphatic fashion.
The significance of the moment was not lost on Wilson, who broke down in tears upon potting the championship-winning ball. "I’m usually quite controlled with my emotions but that just overwhelmed me," he said in his post-match interview. "To win it here at the Ally Pally, with my family here, it’s just incredible. This is for my wife and my boys."
His path to the final was a testament to his resilience. He navigated a tough draw, defeating a resurgent Jack Lisowski 6-5 in a high-quality first-round thriller, before overcoming the in-form Judd Trump 6-1 in the quarter-finals. A hard-fought 6-5 victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan’s conqueror, Shaun Murphy, in the semi-finals set the stage for his date with destiny.
A Final That Failed to Ignite
The match itself was a curious spectacle. Both Higgins, a master tactician, and Wilson, a fierce competitor, seemed gripped by nerves, resulting in a fragmented contest. The first session was a cagey affair, with Wilson taking a 5-3 lead thanks more to Higgins’ uncharacteristic misses than his own fluent scoring.
The evening session saw Wilson extend his lead to 7-3, but Higgins, ever the fighter, dug deep to win three frames in a row, including a break of 67, to close to 7-6. The 14th frame proved pivotal. A lengthy, scrappy battle eventually went Wilson’s way, restoring his two-frame cushion at 8-6 and halting Higgins’ momentum.
From there, Wilson found a crucial gear, compiling runs of 65 and 52 in the next two frames to seal the victory. Higgins, gracious in defeat, paid tribute to the new champion. "Kyren was the better player," the Scot conceded. "He held himself together better than I did. He’s a great competitor and a deserved winner. I’m delighted for him."
The Key Factors in Wilson's Win
While the match lacked a century break—a rarity for a Masters final—Wilson’s victory was built on several key pillars that ultimately made the difference against the experienced Higgins.
- Mental Fortitude: At critical junctures, particularly after Higgins’ fightback to 7-6, Wilson held his nerve. His ability to win the gruelling 14th frame was a testament to his psychological strength.
- Tactical Discipline: Wilson matched Higgins in the safety exchanges, often coming out on top in the tactical duels that defined large parts of the match.
- Capitalising on Errors: Higgins was below his brilliant best, and Wilson consistently punished his opponent’s mistakes, something he failed to do in their previous major meeting at the 2021 World Championship.
- Strong Start: Establishing an early lead allowed Wilson to play the match on his terms, applying constant pressure on Higgins to chase the game.
What This Means for Both Players
For Kyren Wilson: A Corner Turned
This victory is more than just a title; it is a potential career catalyst. By defeating a legend like Higgins in a Triple Crown final, Wilson has proven he can win the biggest matches under the greatest pressure. The £250,000 winner’s cheque is secondary to the confidence and validation this triumph provides. It answers the lingering question of whether he could convert his consistent top-level performances into the sport’s most coveted silverware.
"People have always said I’m a nearly man," Wilson reflected. "I’ve been in a lot of semi-finals and finals. To finally get over the line in one of the big three, it’s massive for me. It’s a monkey off my back."
For John Higgins: A Missed Opportunity
For the 48-year-old Higgins, the search for a first Masters title since 2006 goes on. Appearing in his fourth Masters final since his last win, this defeat will sting. While his performance was a testament to his enduring class in reaching the final, his unforced errors at key moments proved costly. It raises questions about whether time is running out for the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ to add another chapter to his storied Triple Crown legacy.
A Champion's Perspective
In the aftermath, Wilson’s thoughts turned to the future and the ultimate prize in the sport. "This gives me the belief that I can go on and win the World Championship again," he stated, his eyes already on the Crucible Theatre in April. "This is a stepping stone. It’s the start of the journey, not the end."
The 2024 Masters may not be remembered as a classic final in terms of pure snooker spectacle, but it will be forever etched in history as the day Kyren Wilson, the relentless warrior from Kettering, finally conquered one of snooker’s mountain peaks. His emotional celebration at Alexandra Palace was a powerful reminder of what these titles mean to the players who dedicate their lives to the baize.
