Kyren Wilson’s Showboating Costs Him Historic Snooker Record at Shanghai Masters
A thrilling match at the Shanghai Masters saw Kyren Wilson narrowly defeat Si Jiahui 6-5, but not before intentionally sacrificing a record-breaking opportunity with a flamboyant, no-look shot. The last-16 encounter was a high-scoring affair, featuring a remarkable six century breaks – tying the record for the most in a best-of-11 match.
The match reached a fever pitch in the deciding frame, with Wilson reaching 97 before opting for the audacious shot on the black. He ultimately missed, foregoing a chance to potentially set a new benchmark for century breaks in a single match. The previous record of six century breaks was shared by Judd Trump and Neil Robertson in their 2016 Masters clash, and again by Robertson and Mark Selby in 2020.
Wilson admitted he was unaware he was on the cusp of history at the time, but maintained he wouldn’t have played it any differently. “I did the silly no-look thing,” Wilson stated. “Especially in China, I feel the sport is blowing up out here and a lot of it is about doing things a bit differently. You have to have a bit of fun. The crowd appreciate that sort of thing.”
He further emphasized his commitment to a more entertaining style of play. “There’s no chance I’d have just rolled that black in, even if I knew about the record. It is still about doing things differently. We are stepping into a modern era in snooker.” This sentiment highlights a growing trend within the sport, prioritizing spectacle alongside traditional skill.
Elsewhere in the tournament, defending champion Judd Trump secured his place in the next round with a decisive 6-2 victory over Neil Robertson. This win underscores Trump’s continued dominance in the sport and sets the stage for further compelling matches at the Shanghai Masters.
