When it comes to high-stakes snooker, the excitement is palpable, and the 2026 Masters final is no exception! In a thrilling opening session at Alexandra Palace, Kyren Wilson has taken a commanding lead of 5-3 against seasoned veteran John Higgins, setting the stage for a gripping contest as he aims for his first Masters title.
Higgins, at 50 years old, is the oldest competitor to reach the finals of one of the Triple Crown events. He entered the match with confidence, eager to reclaim the prestigious Masters title that has eluded him since 2006. With an impressive half-century break, he snagged the first frame, showcasing his formidable skills.
However, the experienced Scotsman faced frustration as unforced errors began to creep into his game. This misstep allowed Wilson, currently ranked as the world number two, to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes, taking the second frame and finding his footing in the match.
The trend continued as Wilson gained momentum, winning the next two frames to lead 3-1 at the interval. Yet, Higgins demonstrated his renowned matchplay prowess by battling back to win a tense fifth frame, leveling the score at 3-3.
Despite this resurgence from Higgins, Wilson was determined to seize the initiative as the afternoon progressed. He found his rhythm in spectacular fashion, crafting a swift 103 break followed by an impressive 111 break—his eighth century of the tournament—to end the session on a high note.
These last two frames were not just victories; they were a clear message from Wilson, who had previously experienced heartbreaking defeats in the Masters finals against Mark Allen in 2018 and Shaun Murphy in 2025, both ending with a score of 10-7.
While Wilson has only triumphed in three out of their eleven prior encounters, one of those victories came during his successful run at the 2024 World Championship, providing him with valuable confidence heading into the remainder of this match.
This best-of-19 encounter will reach its conclusion on Sunday starting at 19:00 GMT, with the winner set to take home an impressive prize of £350,000. Who do you think will emerge victorious in this epic showdown? Will Wilson secure his first Masters title, or can Higgins defy the odds and claim victory once again? Share your thoughts!
