Stephen Hendry messaged Steve Davis after what Kyren Wilson did | Other | Sport

What proved to be the final frame was a tense affair, but amid the pressure, Wilson managed to inject some humour. After sinking a tricky red to the middle pocket, Wilson quickly realised he was out of position and pretended to bite down on his cue in frustration. Then, as he weighed up his next shot, a member of the audience shouted out: “Come on, Kyren.” Wilson replied: “I’m trying!” to laughter and applause from the 2,000-strong crowd. He then quipped: “I hate this game sometimes!”

Wilson eventually played safe before an error from Higgins let him back in to make the match-clinching break. Hendry, who was on BBC commentary duty for the final, was taken aback by Wilson’s jovial nature at such a crucial stage of the match.

Speaking on the WST’s Snooker Club podcast, the six-time Masters champion said: “I couldn’t believe that. In that situation, nearly winning the match and he can think of funny things to say.

“I messaged Steve, who was in the studio. I said, ‘Can you believe what he was doing?’ We’d never do that.” Hendry added: “He definitely loves the occasion. He’s a big occasion player, he’s the real deal. He’s a big contender for the World Championship this year.”

However, armed with new equipment he is comfortable with, he looks set to enjoy a strong second half of the season, which culminates with the World Championship. Speaking after the Masters final, he said: “I thought at the UK [Championship], ‘I’m gone.’ I honestly didn’t know if I was ever going to be back in the winner’s enclosure.

“I came here with a new lease of life. I’ve got such a supportive family and I promised my mum she was going to have that bit of crystal [winner’s trophy] on her dining room table. It’s coming home, mum!”