Wilson wins Robertson epic at the Masters as Wu whitewashes Xiao

Kyren Wilson withstood Neil Robertson’s resilient fightback on Friday to prevail a 6-5 winner following an epic Masters quarter-final.

The crowd were treated to a Friday night thriller at Alexandra Palace, including five centuries, with the Warrior coming out on top to set up a semi-final clash with Wu Yize.

Two-time finalist Wilson came flying out of the blocks with breaks of 110, 59 and 105 as he raced into a 3-0 lead.

It looked like it would be 4-0 when he recovered a 52-5 deficit in frame four, but missed two attempts at the black – including a cocked-hat double – as Robertson finally got on the scoreboard.

Wilson restored his three-frame buffer with a run of 66, but the pendulum would ultimately swing in his opponent’s favour.

Two-time champion hit back-to-back centuries of 110 and 107 to level the contest, before taking advantage of a missed black by the Warrior with a run of 65 to lead for the first time at 5-4.

However, the Thunder was unfortunate to stick on the black after splitting the pack from the blue, blocking his path to a red over the right corner by the finest margin.

Despite subsequently leaving the cue-ball tight to the baulk cushion, Wilson knocked in a stunning long red that paved the way for a magnificent clearance of 111 to force a decider.

A run of 42 got the Warrior to the snookers required stage, and he eventually potted the brown and blue to get over the line.

“I’m obviously delighted. It was a fantastic game. I’m really glad that it lived up to the billing,” he said.

“Neil’s a fantastic champion and, on any other day, he beats me 6-4. I potted a really good long red at 5-4 down, I had to try to make something happen. I made a really good clearance for five-all, then managed to dig [the victory] out.

“I threw everything at Neil for the first three frames and he never dropped his head. He kept fighting and made it really difficult for me.

“When he’s at his best, he brings the best out of you and makes you have to play well. With the start I had, I was a little bit annoyed I didn’t kick on from there. I let Neil find his rhythm. I’m just chuffed to get through.”

4-1 up 👍
5-4 down 👎

He certainly had to earn that victory! 💪 #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/APJ3ssxpB4

— Live Snooker (@Livesnooker) January 16, 2026

Earlier in the day, Wu enjoyed a much smoother passage into the semi-finals, whitewashing compatriot and good friend Xiao Guodong 6-0 in just 87 minutes.

The 22-year-old was quickly into his stride with breaks of 112 and 93 putting him 2-0 to the good in the battle of the debutants, while further runs of 42, 33, 54 and 60 made it 4-0 at the mid-session interval.

Xiao desperately tried to stop the rot upon the resumption, but ran out of position on 32. Wu stepped in with 84, before he soared into the semi-finals with a swift 97.

“I played well today and didn’t really give him many chances,” the world number 13 said.

“We’re very good friends off the table, but once we’re in a match, we both give it everything. I potted some key long shots and, defensively, I was strong. I tried to enjoy being out there and not put any pressure on myself.

“Tomorrow, I hope I can perform even better and put on an even more exciting match for the fans who support me and love this sport.”

1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣
9️⃣7️⃣
9️⃣3️⃣
8️⃣4️⃣
6️⃣0️⃣

An inspired performance 🔥 #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/POieZVSNSz

— Live Snooker (@Livesnooker) January 16, 2026

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Masters Snooker 2026 Results

Friday January 16

Quarter-Finals

Wu Yize 6-0 Xiao Guodong
Neil Robertson 5-6 Kyren Wilson