Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 11:23 / Updated Wednesday, January 14, 2026 11:24
Kyren Wilson, the 2024 world champion, defeated China's Si Jiahui to reach the Masters quarter-finals. The result? A 6-2 which continued an unusual record in this Triple Crown event: every match at Alexandra Palace this week ended with the same score. The record extended into the evening session where John Higgins got past Barry Hawkins, also 6-2, to secure a place in the last eight.
Wilson, 34, who has not won a tournament this season after breaking his club, qualified for the quarters in thrilling fashion. He will next face the winner of the match between Neil Robertson and Chris Wakelin on Wednesday.
The London Masters is a tournament in which no points are awarded for the world ranking, but it is a prestigious tournament, part of what is called the Triple Crown, along with the World Championship in Sheffield and the UK Championship.
“It's been a really tough time, so thank you for all the love you've given me, it's really lifted me up. This arena can bring out the best in you. Having a cue that I'm happy with makes me so excited to perform, the cue is extremely important. When you go into the arena and you can't trust what you're using, you don't stand a chance,” explained Wilson, according to the Guardian.
John Higgins
John Higgins: 'I'm testing a new workout routine'
In the evening session, Higgins also showed a return to the form that established him. The 50-year-old two-time Masters champion edged Barry Hawkins by the same score, 6-2. Although he lost the first frame, the Scot quickly pulled away to 3-1, and then managed six breaks of over 50 points.
“I was pleased with the way we shot,” Higgins said after the game. “Even at the start, I felt good and Barry didn't play at his usual level, but I'm very pleased to beat such a good player like him.” Higgins will face reigning world champion Zhao Xintong on Thursday in what promises to be an exciting quarter-final.
“I just tried to follow a little routine that I've been testing on and off and I tried it again tonight. But I'm surprised I played so well. It's difficult to train over Christmas, plus I've been away in China for a few days for some exhibition matches. On the way back I got stuck in Amsterdam when all the flights were cancelled, I was stuck there for about two or three days. So it wasn't the best preparation. But, coming here, it gave me pleasure and I was glad to be at the table. Sometimes that's half the battle”, explained Higgins, 4 times world champion.
