Kyren Wilson’s relaxed attitude towards the game can help him see off Barry Hawkins in their first round clash at the Dafabet Masters on Tuesday evening. Wilson insists that he is after prestige and not cash as he sets out on his Masters journey at Alexandra Palace. The 26-year-old Englishman, ranked 14th in the world, is appearing in the 16-man invite-only tournament for just the second time. Wilson was defeated 6-3 by Ding Junhui a year ago in his Masters debut and is 21/20 to get the better of Hawkins in their best-of-11 tussle this time around.
Wilson has not won a major title since he defeated Judd Trump 10-9 in the 2015 Shanghai Masters final, but the signs have been positive recently. He lost out in the 2016 Indian Open final to Anthony McGill, while last year he was a beaten World Open finalist, losing again to Ding, and he also finished runner-up in the English Open to Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Wilson is stable at this point in his career and insists he wants to earn the prestige of tournament success. “When you are reaching the latter stages of tournaments you are earning fantastic money now,” he said ahead of the Masters. “The money is a bonus and it’s good to have nice things, but for me it’s about the trophies. “I’m trying to improve as a player. It has been really frustrating, chasing the second title. I won my first at a young age compared to others who are in their 40s. “So I’ve given myself every chance to win more. I am trying to take a more laidback approach and what will be will be.” Wilson is 9/1 to win his opening match 6-2 in London, whole Hawkins is favourite for the match at 8/11.
Dafabet Masters odds available at Dafabet (Enhanced odds available for this match!)