Kyren Wilson feels snooker is “blowing up” in China after winning one of the most exciting matches ever seen in the Shanghai Masters.
The 2024 world champion pipped China’s Si Jiahui 6-5 in an incredible last 16 encounter which almost made the record books.
The high quality contest saw three century breaks from both Wilson and Si and several breaks of 80-plus throughout.
Wilson won the match with a decisive break of 97 in the final frame decider. But he missed out on another century on the final black by attempting to pot it without looking at the table.
Had he potted the black, the match would have broken the record for most century breaks in a best-of-11 match – seven.
Even though the record was missed, Wilson said being inventive with shots and playing to the crowd is what is needed these days – especially in China where he says snooker is exploding.
He told World Snooker Tour: “I did the silly no-look thing. Especially in China, I feel the sport is blowing up out here and a lot of it is about doing things a bit differently. You have to have a bit of fun. The crowd appreciate that sort of thing. I didn’t know it could have broken the record.
“I don’t think a game can get any harder than that”
“There’s no chance I’d have just rolled that black in, even if I knew about the record. It is still about doing things differently. We are stepping into a modern era in snooker.”
Wilson will next face Ronnie O’Sullivan or Barry Hawkins who battle it out on Wednesday. But being in such a close of game may give him the sharpness he needs.
He added: “I don’t think a game can get any harder than that. I think up until the last couple of frames Si missed one ball. He was relentless and some of the balls he knocks in are frightening. I worked hard going into this event and I’m glad I can see that shining through.”
Main Image: Kyren Wilson – BBC Sport
