Snooker star does stunning no-look pot and pulls off outrageous fluke shot at Masters

Kyren Wilson produced two moments of magic to launch his bid for Masters glory in style.

The 2024 World Champion cruised past Si Jiahui 6-2 in the first round at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday and has his sights firmly set on a first Masters win after just missing out on the title last year.

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The Kettering potter was in fine fettle against his Chinese opponent and even had time for a spot of showboating on his way to victory.

Silky skills

In the fifth frame, Wilson pulled off an incredible fluke shot to pot an unlikely red that had been buried behind the black, leaving those in attendance astounded.

And it got even better in the seventh when Wilson hit a stunning no-look pot which drew applause throughout the watching public at Ally Pally.

The world no.2 appeared impressed with his efforts and was seen smiling after his impressive exploit.

‘The Warrior’ is hoping he can go one better than 12 months ago when he lost in the final against Shaun Murphy.

Cue woes

The key to success could hinge on him overcoming the cue difficulties he experienced in the first half of the season.

The favoured cue he used in his run to the world title became damaged during a refurbishment and despite his best efforts, Wilson struggled to find a cue he was happy with.

He was forced to change back to an old cue at the UK Championship but crashed out in the early stages after a 6-4 defeat to Elliot Slessor.

Following his defeat at the Barbican, Wilson said: “I’m going to go away, enjoy Christmas, probably get drunk for the next month and we’ll see what happens at The Masters.”

However he spent his time during the festive period appears to have worked wonders as a rejuvenated-looking Wilson set up a quarter-final clash against either Neil Robertson or Chris Wakelin.

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Speaking before the match against Si, Wilson said he was happy with his new cue and his performance appeared to correlate with his earlier admission.

“I felt similar to how I’ve been over the past 18 months, bar the last six months,” Wilson said after wrapping up the win.

“It sounds silly, but the cue is so important. When you are going out there and can’t trust what you are using, you have no chance.

“I finally trust what I am using, so thank you to the cuemakers and everyone who has helped me find the solution.

“And thanks to the fans for supporting me.”

Reflecting on his exit at the UK Championship, Wilson said: “I had to literally put a ferrule and tip on my old cue the day of my first-round match.

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“It got to boiling point where I felt I’d let people down. It was about resetting and getting a cue I was happy with, and I am pleased I could come here and deliver.

“I didn’t want to go back out after the interval. I just didn’t want to be out there.

“I wanted to shake his hand and walk out, but people pay good money to watch me play snooker. I battled, I gave it my all, but not to be.

“It’s been a nightmare. I’ve had three cues on the go at this tournament alone. I honestly have no idea what’s next for me. I am completely and totally lost.”