Former world champion Kyren Wilson has bounced back from a challenging UK Championship to secure a convincing 6-2 victory over China’s Si Jiahui, advancing to the Masters 2026 quarter-finals. In the evening session, two-time champion John Higgins continued his remarkable run with another 6-2 win, defeating Barry Hawkins to set up a last-eight clash with reigning world champion Zhao Xintong.
Kyren Wilson Overcomes Setbacks to Shine at Alexandra Palace
Wilson, who recently faced heartbreak at the UK Championship, looked rejuvenated at Alexandra Palace. Last month in York, the 2024 world champion suffered a 6-4 first-round defeat to Elliot Slessor while using a replacement cue after his original, world-title-winning cue was damaged. Wilson described the experience as “close to a mental breakdown,” admitting the loss left him feeling lost and defeated.
However, with a new cue he has been practicing with for a month, Wilson displayed renewed confidence and precision. His performance against Si Jiahui included two century breaks—101 and 105—highlighted by a daring no-look shot on the black in frame seven.
Despite narrowly missing a maximum 147 break in the second frame, Wilson’s consistency pulled him ahead. After trailing 3-2, he won three consecutive frames to seal the 6-2 victory.
“It has been a really tough time, and I thank everyone for their support—it really lifted me,” Wilson said after the match. “This venue brings the best out of you, and I still have a lot of time in this game to conquer it for a long time.”
Wilson’s next opponent will be either Neil Robertson of Australia or England’s Chris Wakelin, promising another high-stakes encounter in the quarter-finals.
Wilson’s Cue Woes and Road to Recovery
The 34-year-old Wilson’s recent struggles stemmed from a freak accident during the refurbishment of his world-title-winning cue. A six-inch section was broken off, forcing him to use a temporary replacement. Speaking about the incident and his UK Championship loss, Wilson said:
“I had to put a ferrule and a tip on the cue on the day of my first-round match. I felt I had let people down, and it was frustrating. But I’m over that now—I have a cue I’ve been playing with since the Scottish Open and I’m very happy with it.”
Wilson’s return to form in the Triple Crown event at the Masters marks a strong comeback, after only reaching the third round at the Scottish Open and participating in the Championship League earlier this month.
Si Jiahui Puts Up a Fight But Falls Short
China’s Si, 23, a former World Championship semi-finalist, delivered an entertaining performance. He produced a notable break of 97 in frame three but was ultimately unable to keep pace with Wilson’s scoring streak. Si joins compatriots Wu Yize, Xiao Guodong, and Zhao Xintong, who are also vying for a spot in the Masters quarter-finals.
John Higgins Impresses with Clinical Victory Over Barry Hawkins
In Tuesday evening’s session, 50-year-old John Higgins showcased his enduring skill and experience, defeating Barry Hawkins 6-2 to reach his 16th Masters quarter-final. Higgins, the 1999 and 2006 Masters champion, compiled six half-century breaks (50, 71, 53, 99, 58, 61) in a display of tactical mastery and long-pot accuracy.
Hawkins initially showed promise, taking control in the third frame after Higgins let a 46-0 lead slip. However, the Scot’s momentum was short-lived, as Higgins dominated the remainder of the match.
“I was delighted with the way I hit the ball. Even at the start, I felt good, and Barry didn’t play as well as he can. I’m thrilled to beat someone of his caliber,” Higgins said.
Higgins now faces reigning world champion Zhao Xintong in the quarter-finals and knows he will need to maintain his high level of play.
“I’ll have to produce that standard again against Zhao because he’s an unbelievable player,” Higgins added.
Hawkins admitted:
“John played brilliantly. I missed a black in the third frame, and after that, he never looked back.”
Masters 2026: Key Takeaways
- Kyren Wilson returns to form with two century breaks and a 6-2 win over Si Jiahui.
- John Higgins continues his Masters dominance, winning 6-2 against Barry Hawkins.
- Wilson’s next match will be against Neil Robertson or Chris Wakelin, while Higgins faces Zhao Xintong.
- All six matches in this year’s Masters so far have ended with the scoreline 6-2, highlighting the consistent form of the tournament’s top players.
As the Masters 2026 quarter-finals approach, snooker fans can expect high-quality, intense matches featuring some of the sport’s best veterans and rising stars. Alexandra Palace continues to be the stage where legends are made, and Wilson and Higgins have firmly stamped their authority in this year’s tournament.
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