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Best shots of the 2026 Masters final
Consider the situation: a visibly dejected Kyren Wilson, seemingly defeated, in the confines of the York Barbican.
Compounding the challenges of a difficult season and family health concerns was the forced change of the cue he used to secure his 2024 world title, following an unusual accident.
The English competitor even admitted to nearing a “mental breakdown” during his round-of-32 loss to Elliot Slessor at the UK Championship just last month.
The outlook appeared bleak.
Yet, merely six weeks later, images emerged of Wilson celebrating at Alexandra Palace, having lifted the Paul Hunter Trophy in triumph, marking his inaugural Masters victory alongside his family.
“It’s amazing. Father Christmas was very kind to me,” Wilson remarked, having auctioned his cherished old cue for a children’s cancer charity, raising £5,250.
“It was a complete freak accident, what happened to my cue, so there are no bad feelings there but it is so important to have something you can trust out there.”
Equipped with a suitable replacement, the 34-year-old Wilson found success on his third attempt, becoming the 26th different winner of the Masters after two prior final defeats.
His path to victory and a second Triple Crown title included wins against Si Jiahui, Neil Robertson, Wu Yize, and ultimately, four-time world champion John Higgins, widely recognized as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“I’ll be honest I thought at the UK Championship I was gone, I honestly didn’t know if I was ever going to be back in the winners’ enclosure,” Wilson added.
“I have such a supportive family and I promised my mum she was going to have that bit of crystal [Masters trophy] on her dining room table.
“People don’t see what happens behind closed doors but I was in a bad way at the UK – really, really suffering.
“To pick up a new cue and, after one month, to go and win the second biggest major is an incredible achievement.”
Wilson defeats Higgins to claim first Masters title
Masters results and previous winners