Masters 2026: Kyren Wilson Fires Warning to Wu Yize After Surviving Robertson Scare

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson produced a display of steel and resilience to withstand a remarkable comeback from Neil Robertson, edging a dramatic 6-5 decider to book his place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Masters.

Wilson burst out of the blocks, racing into a commanding 3-0 lead with breaks of 59, 105 and 110, looking every inch the dominant force that lifted the world title in 2024.

The contest shifted dramatically when Wilson appeared on course for a routine win at 4-1. Two-time Masters champion Robertson suddenly found his rhythm, rattling off four frames on the spin and punishing any slip with breaks of 65, 107 and 110 to turn the match on its head.

Just as the momentum seemed irreversibly with the Australian, Wilson dug deep.

Facing elimination and coming off a dry spell, Wilson summoned a response worthy of his status, compiling a nerveless 111, the fifth century of the match, to force a deciding frame.

In a tense and absorbing finale, it was Wilson who held his nerve, finally halting Robertson’s surge to reach his third Masters semi-final.

Finding the Champion Within Again

It was a contest that showcased snooker at its very best. High-quality scoring, unforced errors under pressure and relentless swings in momentum made it a gripping spectacle from start to finish.

The Kettering cueist’s composure in adversity underlined the traits that define a world champion.

Wilson’s recent results had fallen short of the blistering form he displayed in the aftermath of his world championship triumph during the 2024/25 season. Early exits, including a first-round defeat at the UK Championship, had prompted him to question his own game.

But against Robertson, that champion’s mentality resurfaced, and Wilson feels it too. 

“I would say so. I think that's kind of the sort of form that I've been used to showing probably over the past 18 months,” Wilson told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“By what's happened recently, you kind of forget it when you go a few tournaments without having it. It's great to have that flooding through the veins again.”

Wu Yize Awaits

Standing between Wilson and a Masters final is one of the tour’s most exciting young talents. Wu Yize, just 22, is enjoying a breakthrough season, having claimed his first major title at the International Championship and reached the Masters semi-finals on debut.

The Chinese youngster’s fluent style and fearless approach have drawn lofty comparisons, including to Ronnie O’Sullivan, particularly after his eye-catching display against Xiao Guodong.

Ronnie O’Sullivan Comparison

Former world champion Ken Doherty has been especially vocal in his admiration for Wu’s dedication and work ethic.

“He reminds me of Ronnie [O’Sullivan] so much because he practices at least an hour or an hour-and-a-half every single day on playing left-handed, so he will go through his whole routine, the line-ups left-handed every single day,” Doherty said. 

Wilson, however, believes comparisons to the seven-time world champion should be treated with caution, even while acknowledging Wu’s immense potential.

“In all honesty, no. I don't think you'll ever see the likes of that again. I don't think Ronnie should be compared to anyone really.”

“But in terms of what's ahead for him, I think he's got a fantastic future, lots of potential.”

A Warning from Experience

Wilson also offered a word of advice, shaped by his own journey through the sport. He believes Wu will soon feel the weight of expectation from a nation eager for success, and it won’t be easy.

He sent him a message that the pressure of a young nation will be on his shoulder thick and fast, and he’s going to have to deal with that, and from experience it’s not nice.

Wilson knows that burden well. He emerged as a prodigious talent in 2013 and, within three years on tour, captured his first major title at the Shanghai Masters. With success came expectation, as he was widely tipped to be the future of the sport.

Yet fulfilment of that promise proved elusive for almost a decade, with painful near-misses including defeats to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the 2020 World Championship final and Mark Allen in the 2018 Masters final.

“I think the thing that he's going to have to be wary that he is he's going to be inspiring young Chinese players as well, and they're coming through thick and fast, and they're going to want to start beating him and taking him down.”

“I've had to deal with that for the young English players and now the young Chinese players, and it's not nice,” he concluded.