Opposing him was a man attempting to rewrite the history books. At 50 years old, John Higgins became the oldest player to ever reach a Triple Crown final. Seeking his third Masters title—two decades after his last—the Scot pushed Wilson in what Wilson described as an “absolute dogfight.” However, Higgins admitted he was “useless” on Sunday, conceding that Wilson was by far the superior player in the showpiece match.

The Toll of the Road to the Final

The lack of polish in the final may have been a byproduct of the grueling path both men took to reach it. Neither player arrived at the final rested; both had survived back-to-back 6-5 nail-biters in the preceding rounds.

Higgins had to fight through the reigning world champion, Zhao Xintong, and the current world No. 1, Judd Trump, both in final-frame deciders. Wilson’s path was equally taxing, with 6-5 victories over Neil Robertson and Wu Yize. By the time they met in the final, the emotional and physical exhaustion was evident, turning the match into a battle of attrition rather than a display of high-scoring breaks.

Analytical Breakdown: Why it Matters

For Kyren Wilson: This win removes the “Masters” void from his career. By securing his second Triple Crown, he shifts from being a top contender to a definitive force in the game. His ability to “dig in” and win a low-quality match shows a mental maturity that mirrors the longevity of the veterans he admires.

For John Higgins: While the loss is disappointing, the 50-year-old’s run to the final is a historic feat of endurance. Beating the World No. 1 and the World Champion in the same tournament at his age proves that his tactical game remains world-class, even if the stamina for a long final occasionally wavers.

Quick Q&A

How many Masters titles does Kyren Wilson now have? One. This was his first title, following losses in the 2018 and 2025 finals.

What record did John Higgins set during this tournament? Higgins became the oldest player to reach a Triple Crown final at age 50.

What is the financial reward for the win? Kyren Wilson received the £350,000 top prize.

With Wilson now holding two Triple Crown titles, can he maintain this momentum to challenge for the world number one spot?

Kyren Wilson Finally Conquers the Masters: A Dogfight Victory Over Legend John Higgins

Kyren Wilson has finally claimed the Paul Hunter Trophy, defeating John Higgins 10-6 to secure his first Masters title at Alexandra Palace. The victory ends a frustrating cycle for the World No. 2, who had previously fallen in the 2018 and 2025 finals, and adds a second Triple Crown title to his resume alongside his 2024 World Championship win.

It was a win defined more by resilience than brilliance. While the final was described as a “cagey” affair replete with uncharacteristic errors from both players, Wilson managed to navigate the tension. After dropping the opening frame, he surged back to claim the next two and never trailed again, establishing a 5-3 lead by the end of the first session before closing out the 10-6 win and the £350,000 top prize.

The Weight of the Paul Hunter Trophy

For Wilson, this wasn’t just another tournament win; it was an emotional exorcism. Recalling his 2018 final loss—where he admitted he “cried like a little girl”—Wilson fought to maintain his composure after the final frame. “I’m trying not to cry now because it means so much to me,” he told the BBC.

The victory cements Wilson’s status among the sport’s elite, proving he can handle the pressure of the biggest stages after years of knocking on the door of the Masters title.

Opposing him was a man attempting to rewrite the history books. At 50 years old, John Higgins became the oldest player to ever reach a Triple Crown final. Seeking his third Masters title—two decades after his last—the Scot pushed Wilson in what Wilson described as an “absolute dogfight.” However, Higgins admitted he was “useless” on Sunday, conceding that Wilson was by far the superior player in the showpiece match.

The Toll of the Road to the Final

The lack of polish in the final may have been a byproduct of the grueling path both men took to reach it. Neither player arrived at the final rested; both had survived back-to-back 6-5 nail-biters in the preceding rounds.

Higgins had to fight through the reigning world champion, Zhao Xintong, and the current world No. 1, Judd Trump, both in final-frame deciders. Wilson’s path was equally taxing, with 6-5 victories over Neil Robertson and Wu Yize. By the time they met in the final, the emotional and physical exhaustion was evident, turning the match into a battle of attrition rather than a display of high-scoring breaks.

Analytical Breakdown: Why it Matters

For Kyren Wilson: This win removes the “Masters” void from his career. By securing his second Triple Crown, he shifts from being a top contender to a definitive force in the game. His ability to “dig in” and win a low-quality match shows a mental maturity that mirrors the longevity of the veterans he admires.

For John Higgins: While the loss is disappointing, the 50-year-old’s run to the final is a historic feat of endurance. Beating the World No. 1 and the World Champion in the same tournament at his age proves that his tactical game remains world-class, even if the stamina for a long final occasionally wavers.

Quick Q&A

How many Masters titles does Kyren Wilson now have? One. This was his first title, following losses in the 2018 and 2025 finals.

What record did John Higgins set during this tournament? Higgins became the oldest player to reach a Triple Crown final at age 50.

What is the financial reward for the win? Kyren Wilson received the £350,000 top prize.

With Wilson now holding two Triple Crown titles, can he maintain this momentum to challenge for the world number one spot?