SHANGHAI — Kyren Wilson produced a stunning comeback to defeat Zhao Xintong 10-7 in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters, ending the Chinese star’s dream run and booking his place in Sunday’s final against Ali Carter.
The match, played in front of a packed and passionate home crowd at the Shanghai Grand Stage, saw Wilson recover from a 5-2 deficit to win eight of the next ten frames. Zhao, the 2022 UK Championship winner, had been in scintillating form earlier in the tournament, but Wilson’s resilience and tactical nous proved decisive in the closing stages.
A Slow Start for Wilson
Wilson, the 2020 World Championship runner-up, struggled early on as Zhao capitalized on his fluent break-building ability. The Chinese player raced into a 3-0 lead with breaks of 89 and 112, leaving Wilson searching for answers. By the mid-session interval, Zhao had extended his advantage to 5-2, raising hopes of a home victory.
However, Wilson refused to buckle under pressure. Speaking after the match, he admitted: "I knew I had to dig deep. Zhao was playing unbelievable stuff early on, but I just tried to stay patient and wait for my chances."
The Turning Point
The match shifted dramatically in the eighth frame when Wilson capitalized on a rare Zhao miss to clinch a crucial frame. From there, the Englishman found his rhythm, reeling off three consecutive frames to level the match at 5-5. Zhao briefly regained the lead with a break of 78, but Wilson responded with a superb 129 clearance to tie again at 6-6.
Key moments in Wilson’s comeback:
- A tactical safety battle in the 11th frame, which Wilson won after forcing Zhao into an error
- A stunning long pot in the 13th frame that set up a decisive break of 67
- A composed clearance under pressure in the 15th frame to move within one of victory
Zhao’s Frustration Grows
As Wilson tightened his grip on the match, Zhao’s frustration became evident. The 26-year-old, known for his attacking flair, uncharacteristically missed several key pots in the latter stages. A loose safety shot in the 16th frame allowed Wilson to seal the win with a break of 56, sparking celebrations from the Englishman.
Zhao later reflected: "I had my chances, but Kyren played very strong in the end. The crowd was amazing, and I’m disappointed I couldn’t give them the win."
Wilson vs. Carter in the Final
Wilson will now face Ali Carter, who defeated Neil Robertson 10-8 in a thrilling semifinal. The final promises to be a fascinating clash between two of snooker’s most determined competitors. Carter, a two-time World Championship runner-up, has been in fine form this week, while Wilson is chasing his first major ranking title since the 2022 European Masters.
Wilson said of the upcoming final: "Ali’s a great player, and it’s going to be a tough match. But I’ve got momentum now, and I’ll give it everything to lift that trophy."
Conclusion
Wilson’s victory over Zhao marks another chapter in his resurgence this season. After a difficult 2023, the 32-year-old has rediscovered his best form, and a win in Shanghai would cement his status as one of the sport’s elite players. For Zhao, the tournament was a reminder of his immense talent, even if the semifinal defeat will sting.
The Shanghai Masters final begins at 1 PM local time on Sunday, with both players vying for the £210,000 top prize and one of snooker’s most prestigious titles.
