Kyren Wilson has revealed he believes a specific frailty in John Higgins' game could be pivotal as the pair prepare to clash in the Masters final at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.
The Warrior's Respect and Tactical Insight
Wilson, the world number two, holds the legendary Scot in the highest regard, calling him a 'hero' and a 'role model'. However, the 34-year-old, known as 'The Warrior', has pinpointed one area where he feels he holds an advantage over the four-time world champion. 'The only weakness I can find in John is his rest play,' Wilson told TNT Sports after his semi-final victory.
He revealed that Higgins himself acknowledged the issue after Wilson beat him in the 2024 World Championship quarter-finals. 'He actually said to me when I beat him in the Worlds, "Can you give me a few rest lessons?"' Wilson recounted. 'Other than that he's just utter class, I'm going to have to raise my game to beat him tomorrow.'
A Historic Final and Contrasting Routes
The stage is set for a fascinating generational battle. At 50 years old, John Higgins becomes the oldest Masters finalist in history, seeking a third title but his first since way back in 2006. Wilson is contesting his third Masters final and is the bookmakers' favourite to lift the Paul Hunter Trophy for the first time.
Both players endured nerve-shredding paths to the final, with identical results:
- John Higgins: Beat Barry Hawkins 6-2, then Zhao Xintong 6-5, before edging world number one Judd Trump 6-5 in a classic semi-final.
- Kyren Wilson: Defeated Si Jiahui 6-2, overcame Neil Robertson 6-5, and then held his nerve to beat debutant Wu Yize 6-5.
Higgins admitted reaching such a major final again seemed unlikely. 'To be in the final of these big, big events was maybe a step too far for me,' he told the BBC. 'I'm normally back home watching it on the TV... I can't wait. I'll be there revelling in it.'
Wilson's Motivation and Head-to-Head Record
Despite his deep respect, Wilson is fiercely motivated to test himself against the icons of the sport. 'I've been lucky enough to play Ronnie [O'Sullivan] in a few big finals... by the time he's hung up his cue I want to say right I've played him in a major final,' he explained, applying the same logic to facing Higgins.
However, history heavily favours the 'Wizard of Wishaw'. Excluding the short-format Championship League, Wilson has won only one of their last seven encounters – that famous 13-8 victory at the Crucible in 2024 on his way to the world title. Their recent meetings show Higgins' dominance:
- 2025 World Grand Prix: Higgins won 4-2
- 2024 World Championship: Wilson won 13-8
- 2023 Shanghai Masters: Higgins won 6-3
Wilson arrives in better recent form, bouncing back from a first-round UK Championship exit to reach back-to-back Ally Pally finals, having lost to Shaun Murphy last year. 'I felt coming here this week that I could compete, I had some confidence and belief,' he stated.
The final promises a gripping contest between Higgins' timeless class and Wilson's granite-like determination, with a crucial tactical battle over the rest poised to be a decisive factor.
