The Masters concluded with Kyren Wilson lifting the Paul Hunter Trophy, but beneath the celebratory surface, a critical assessment of the tournament’s performances emerged from six-time champion Stephen Hendry.
Hendry didn’t mince words, describing displays as “disappointing,” “shocking,” and even “alarming.” The early rounds were particularly peculiar, with a string of 6-2 victories that hinted at an unusual dynamic within the competition.
While the tournament gained intensity with several tight matches decided by a single frame, Hendry’s focus remained on individual performances, and he reserved particularly pointed commentary for some of the sport’s biggest names.
John Higgins, reaching the final at 50, experienced a dramatic shift in form during the evening session, a decline Hendry found deeply concerning. He questioned whether the veteran had simply exhausted his physical reserves, observing a startling drop in his game after the interval.
Hendry noted Higgins’ uncharacteristic errors, like missing a pink off the spot, and a body language that suggested a loss of belief. He likened the situation to a boxer on the ropes, awaiting the inevitable knockout blow.
World number one Judd Trump also drew Hendry’s ire, despite reaching the semi-finals. The seven-time world champion felt Trump squandered crucial opportunities, missing easy shots when in dominant positions against Higgins.
Hendry expressed disappointment with Trump’s inability to capitalize on a 3-0 lead, highlighting missed shots that could have sealed the match. He felt Trump “flattered to deceive,” failing to live up to expectations as the top-ranked player.
Mark Williams faced perhaps the harshest criticism, with Hendry bluntly labeling his first-round performance against Mark Allen as “shocking.” Even Allen wasn’t spared scrutiny, with Hendry questioning his overly cautious safety play.
Hendry contrasted Allen’s negative safety shots with the proactive approach of Ronnie O’Sullivan, who uses safety play to open up frames and create opportunities, rather than simply containing the opponent.
Amidst the critiques, Wilson’s victory earned genuine praise. Hendry lauded Wilson’s “powerful snooker,” emphasizing his aggressive, attacking style and willingness to break up the pack of reds early in a frame.
Wilson’s approach, prioritizing immediate opportunities over meticulous cue ball control, resonated with Hendry, who appreciated the dynamism and scoring potential it unleashed. It was a performance that stood in stark contrast to some of the more conservative strategies on display.
Chinese debutant Wu Yize also impressed, defeating established players before falling to Wilson in the semi-finals, offering a glimpse of future talent within the sport.
