World champion Kyren Wilson advanced to the Masters quarter-finals with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Zhang Anda at Alexandra Palace, despite his opponent scoring 275 points more during the match.
The remarkable contest saw Zhang showcase exceptional potting throughout, but Wilson proved clinical in crucial moments.
“I feel like I managed to pinch the key frames,” Wilson told BBC Sport after his victory.
The win came while wearing a specially-designed purple waistcoat, created by a 12-year-old competition winner, though Wilson confirmed it would be its only appearance due to causing thumb discomfort.
Kyren Wilson edged past Zhang Anda in the first round of the Masters
PA
Wilson established a 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval, highlighted by a brilliant 69 clearance in the fourth frame after Zhang had led 64-0.
Zhang mounted a strong comeback, levelling the match at 3-3 with breaks of 65 and 83.
After Wilson edged ahead again with a break of 69, Zhang responded with a spectacular 141 clearance – the highest break of the tournament and his first-ever century at the Masters.
The world champion showed his mettle in the closing stages, claiming two tense frames to secure his place in the next round.
The purple waistcoat worn by Wilson featured açai berries and their structural formula on a bright background, designed by 12-year-old Serena through a competition with tournament sponsor Johnstone’s Paint & STEM Learning.
However, Wilson confirmed it would be a one-time appearance due to practical concerns.
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“I won’t be wearing it anymore unfortunately,” Wilson said.
“It has just started to burn my thumb – any longer and it would have ripped my thumb to pieces.”
“I feel like wearing it was a brave thing to do,” he added. “Sometimes you’ve got to do these things – it’s great for the sport, the sponsors and for the children who have designed it.”
Zhang’s exceptional long potting drew particular praise from Wilson during the match.
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Zhang Anda was on top form but it was not enough as Kyren Wilson claimed a tight victory
PA
“I have never seen such a consistent display of long potting,” Wilson told BBC Sport. “I was petrified every time a ball stuck out because he was just potting them.”
“It wasn’t like I was leaving the same long one, it was a variety of different long shots he was nailing every time,” he added.
Wilson acknowledged the need to maintain composure under pressure. “You’ve just got to hold your nerve, you can’t back away from a big shot. You’ve got to commit to it.”
“I love playing here,” Wilson said. “I hate going out of this tournament early so hopefully it keeps going.”
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Wilson will now await the winner of Wednesday evening’s match between Luca Brecel and Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals.
The world champion enters the next phase with confidence, having already secured two tournament victories this season.
“I’ve beat Judd Trump, who has been by far the best player in the world over the last couple of years, in two big finals,” Wilson noted, reflecting on his recent achievements.
“These are the ones you want to tick off,” he added. “There’s no hiding place and obviously I want to win this tournament.”