Kyren Wilson Edges Zhang Anda to Reach Masters Quarter-finals

Kyren Wilson advanced to the quarter-finals of the Masters at Alexandra Palace, defeating Zhang Anda 6-4. Wilson, despite potting fewer balls and scoring 275 points less than Zhang was clinical in crucial moments, taking key frames when Zhang was well-placed to win. Leading 3-1 at the interval, Wilson faced a strong comeback from Zhang, who compiled breaks of 65, 83 and a stunning 141 to level the match at 4-4.

However, Kyren Wilson held his nerve, winning a tense 10th frame to secure his victory. “I feel like I managed to pinch the key frames,” Wilson said, crediting Zhang’s exceptional long potting. Luca Brecel, who has struggled since reaching the sport’s pinnacle in 2023, showed glimpses of his brilliance in a 6-3 win over Chris Wakelin. Brecel, known for his stunning pots, impressed with a remarkable shot from brown to blue in the opening frame.

Despite erratic form, he delivered moments of magic including a break of 73 in the final frame, securing only his second Masters win. “There are things to work on but I am happy with the win,” Brecel remarked. Wakelin, making his Masters debut had a tough time after his partner gave birth to their first child prematurely. Though he fought back from 3-1 to 4-3, he ultimately ran out of steam, acknowledging his lack of practice.

On the other hand, Zhang will regret his unforced errors. Despite leading in key statistics, his seven mistakes compared to Wilson’s three, cost him dearly. Zhang’s missed opportunities including a missed black in the ninth frame, proved costly in the end. “I was a little bit unlucky,” he admitted.