Kyren Wilson Claims Masters Title, Then Withdraws From Championship League
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A remarkable victory at the Masters for Kyren Wilson was immediately followed by a surprising decision: the champion opted to withdraw from this week’s Championship League event. Wilson defeated snooker legend John Higgins to secure his first Masters title, a year after falling to Shaun Murphy in the final.
The win marks a significant turnaround for Wilson, who faced a personal crisis just weeks prior. He was eliminated in the first round of the UK Championship, admitting he came close to a mental breakdown following the loss. However, the triumph at Alexandra Palace in north London clearly took precedence over immediate competitive commitments.
Emotional Victory for “The Warrior”
Wilson’s path to the Masters title was far from easy, a characteristic he readily acknowledges. He received £350,000 for his victory. “In 2018 I lost in the final and cried and I’m trying not to cry now as it means so much to me,” Wilson shared following the match. “It was an honour and privilege to share the table with an idol of mine.”
He described the final match as a “dogfight,” emphasizing his determination to emulate Higgins’ renowned resilience. “I tried to be as dogged as John has been over the years, and that is why he has been so successful,” Wilson explained. “I’m glad he’s managed to give me one for a change. I never make it easy for myself. I always seem to do it the hard way. I don’t know why, it frustrates the life out of me but I will always give it my all. Even if I’m struggling I will fight until the end until I finally get my hands on some silverware.”
Championship League Roster Adjusts
Wilson’s withdrawal from the Championship League, held in Leicester, created an opening filled by Oliver Lines. Lines will compete alongside established players including Mark Selby, Xiao Guodong, Neil Robertson, Stuart Bingham, Zhao Xintong, and Wu Yize.
Higgins Acknowledges Wilson’s Dominance
Higgins, a highly respected figure in the sport, readily conceded defeat, acknowledging Wilson’s superior performance. “I was just useless,” Higgins stated post-match. “Take no credit away, Kyren was by far the better player. He was totally dominant – it wasn’t even a 10-6 match.”
Wilson’s victory underscores his unwavering commitment to the sport, even in the face of adversity, and signals a potential new chapter in his already impressive career.
