Masters final suspended with John Higgins and Kyren Wilson taken away

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 18/01/2026

- 15:10

Both men are gunning for glory at Alexandra Palace

A medical emergency in the crowd brought the Masters snooker final at Alexandra Palace to a temporary standstill.

The incident occurred during the interval between the second and third frames, with John Higgins and Kyren Wilson locked at one frame apiece.


BBC presenter Hazel Irvine informed viewers that a spectator had experienced difficulties, prompting officials to escort both competitors away from the table while medical staff responded.

"I should tell you that we have had something of a medical emergency," Irvine said.

"I understand that things are in hand and the players have both just been taken off for the time being."

The broadcaster subsequently confirmed the individual was "fine" and the match continued shortly afterwards.

Higgins etched his name into the record books at Ally Pally by becoming the oldest competitor ever to contest the Masters final.

John Higgins

John Higgins has won the Masters twice

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GETTY

The Scot seized the initiative in the opening frame, compiling an impressive 58 break to establish an early advantage.

Victory in the second frame appeared within his grasp, but several errant shots proved costly.

Wilson capitalised on the opportunity, overcoming a 45-point deficit through a remarkable clearance of the colours to draw level.

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The fightback demonstrated Wilson's resilience and set the stage for what promised to be a compelling contest between two determined competitors before the unexpected interruption.

Higgins arrived at the final having produced a remarkable turnaround against world number one Judd Trump in the last four.

Trailing 3-0 and later 5-3, the veteran refused to surrender and ultimately prevailed in dramatic fashion.

"He [Judd Trump] is so tough to play against. I missed a couple of reds to put myself safe and then he did what he always does which is clear up," Higgins reflected.

"Even at 5-3 I didn't give up. It was the same against Zhao Xintong. Who knows, maybe my name is on the trophy? You just don't know."

Kyren Wilson

Kyren Wilson lost to Shaun Murphy in last year's Masters final

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PA

Wilson secured his place in the final following a tense 6-5 victory over Wu Yize, acknowledging he had been fortunate to progress.

"Wu Yize is going to be around for many years to come. I just wasn't at the races at all today and I don't know where I found those last two frames," he admitted.

The opportunity to face Higgins clearly meant a great deal to him.

"It's an awesome achievement in itself to make back-to-back finals but that's not what I'm in the game for. I don't want to leave it there," Wilson said. "I am desperate to play John Higgins in the final. An all-time legend. That's something I'll savour."