Kyren Wilson's Masters bid: magic and a comeback

Kyren Wilson has launched his Masters title bid with a dominant performance, defeating Si Jiahui 6-2 in the first round. The Kettering potter showcased exceptional skill, including a memorable no-look pot and an audacious fluke shot that astounded the crowd at Alexandra Palace. This victory marks a significant turnaround after Wilson grappled with cue difficulties earlier in the season, which impacted his performance in other major tournaments.

Wilson's journey to this point has been shaped by a challenging period with his equipment. A favored cue was damaged during refurbishment, forcing him to switch. This led to an early exit at the UK Championship after a 6-4 defeat. However, Wilson appears to have found a solution with a new cue, expressing renewed confidence and trust in his equipment.

Now rejuvenated, Wilson is setting his sights on achieving his maiden Masters crown, aiming to surpass his runner-up finish from the previous year. His impressive display suggests he has put his cue woes behind him and is in strong form as he progresses to the quarter-finals to face either Neil Robertson or Chris Wakelin.