Kyren Wilson has added the International Championship to his growing list of accolades, defeating John Higgins 10-8 in a tense final in China. The victory marks Wilson’s 12th ranking title of his career and serves as a significant statement of form just two weeks after his triumph at the Northern Ireland Open. While Higgins, who is 51 years old, entered the match with the historic ambition of becoming snooker’s oldest ranking event winner, Wilson’s consistent performance ultimately proved decisive in the hard-fought contest.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
The final showcased the enduring quality of Higgins, who briefly took control with a stunning 141 break in the third frame to lead 2-1. However, Wilson responded with composure, moving 4-3 up with a 94 break before Higgins reclaimed the lead 5-4 after the afternoon session with runs of 71 and 75. The momentum shifted dramatically in the evening session; after sharing the first four frames, Wilson unleashed a three-frame sequence featuring breaks of 80, 52, and 101 to surge into a 9-7 lead, effectively taking control of the match’s narrative.
Despite Higgins reducing the deficit to 9-8 in a final bid to keep his historic hopes alive, Wilson sealed the victory with a composed 61 in the 18th frame. This win cements Wilson’s status as a top-tier contender, following his 2024 World Championship title, while Higgins exits the tournament short of his age-record goal. The result highlights Wilson’s ability to perform under pressure against one of the sport’s greatest all-time talents, securing a prestigious trophy in a competitive field.
Source: BBC Sport
