Masters 2026: Kyren Wilson establishes lead over John Higgins in final

Kyren Wilson made a strong start towards winning his first Masters crown by beating John Higgins 5-3 in the opening session of the final at Alexandra Palace.

The oldest finalist in one of the Triple Crown events, 50-year-old Higgins confidently embarked on his bid to win the prestigious invitational event for the first time since 2006, opening with a half-century lead.

But the Scotsman was forced to rue a few simple mistakes that allowed the world number two to clinch the second frame and settle into the match.

That theme continued as Wilson took the next two frames to take a 3-1 lead at the interval, before four-time world champion Higgins displayed his renowned match-play qualities once again to take a tough fifth frame and bring the tie back to 3-3.

But by evening Wilson’s advantage could not be denied.

He rediscovered his rhythm as he prepared a high-tempo break of 103 and produced a superb 111 – his eighth century of the tournament – to complete the afternoon’s play.