Kyren Wilson continued his outstanding run of form by defeating John Higgins 10-8 in a high-quality final to win the International Championship in Nanjing, securing the 12th ranking title of his professional career.

The victory sees Wilson become just the 16th player in snooker history to win consecutive ranking events, following his triumph at the Northern Ireland Open a fortnight ago.

The 34-year-old enjoyed a memorable fortnight, having beaten Jak Jones 9-2 in the final at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall before travelling to China and successfully carrying that winning momentum into the International Championship.

Wilson’s latest success also moves him level with Mark Allen on 12 ranking titles, placing him joint 11th on the all-time list and just one behind Shaun Murphy.

Wilson Overcomes Higgins in Thrilling Final

The final proved to be a fascinating contest between two of snooker’s most accomplished players, with four-time World Champion John Higgins looking to add another ranking title to his impressive collection.

Higgins entered the evening session holding a narrow 5-4 advantage after an entertaining opening session.

Wilson immediately restored parity with a break of 70 before threatening to take control of the match in the 11th frame, moving 69-0 ahead.

However, Higgins demonstrated the remarkable fighting qualities that have defined his career, producing a superb clearance of 70, including an impressive double on the final red, before stealing the frame on the black to move 6-5 ahead.

Wilson responded in style, compiling a magnificent break of 130 in the 12th frame to level the scores once again.

The pair continued to exchange frames, with Higgins producing another outstanding clearance of 65 in the 13th, stealing the frame on the pink to take a 7-6 lead into the final interval.

When play resumed, Wilson made an 80 break to restore parity at 7-7. The 15th frame provided further drama as Higgins looked set to produce another clearance, only to miss the blue and allow Wilson to clear to the black and move 8-7 ahead.

A break of 101 in the following frame moved Wilson within one of victory at 9-7.

Higgins refused to surrender, producing another determined performance to take the 17th frame and reduce the deficit to 9-8.

However, Wilson held his nerve when it mattered most, compiling a contribution of 61 in the 18th frame to secure a 10-8 victory and lift the International Championship trophy for the first time.

Wilson Praises Childhood Idol Higgins

Speaking after the final, Wilson was full of praise for his opponent and described competing against Higgins in a major final as a dream come true.

“It was a really good final. The way he played against Chang Bingyu in the semi-finals I knew I was in for a tough match. It was about sticking in there and bouncing back if I made mistakes. He has made a career out of unbelievable clearances under pressure and has been an idol of mine since I started watching the game. To play him in a final like this is a dream come true and it is an honour to win,” said Wilson.

The Englishman also reflected on previous encounters with Higgins and the quality he continues to demonstrate at the highest level.

“When he gets on a roll and is in the groove he can blow anyone and everyone away. He is pretty much the most complete snooker player of all-time. To beat him in two big finals, at the Masters and here, I’m chuffed.”

Wilson admitted that winning consecutive ranking titles is a significant achievement, particularly given the strength of competition on the professional circuit.

“Winning back-to-back titles is an incredible feat really. I’m probably boring people by saying how high the standard is, but it is frightening. It is through the roof.

“I’m delighted I’ve bounced back from Belfast and won again. That is no mean feat.”

Higgins Takes Positives from Nanjing Run

Despite missing out on the title, Higgins can take plenty of encouragement from his performances throughout the tournament.

The 51-year-old arrived in Nanjing having struggled to find his best form during the early stages of the season, but his run to the final included an impressive 6-5 victory over old rival Mark Williams in the last 16.

Higgins also defeated Marco Fu 6-3 in the quarter-finals before overcoming Chang Bingyu 6-4 in the semi-finals to reach the final.

Victory would have made him the oldest player ever to win a ranking event, surpassing Mark Williams, who claimed the Xi’an Grand Prix last year at the age of 50.

Speaking after the final, Higgins acknowledged that Wilson had been the stronger player on the night but remained positive about his own performances.

“Kyren was very strong tonight and I just got a little bit weaker at the end,” said Higgins.

He added:

“I’ve got to be honest, I’m taking the positives this week. I was in very poor form coming into the tournament. It has given me motivation to get back and try to win an event soon. I feel like I might be close as I played very well. Kyren was too strong.”

Wilson Moves Up the World Rankings

The victory has also brought a significant boost to Wilson’s position in the Johnstone’s Paint World Rankings, moving him from ninth to eighth.

With two ranking titles secured in successive tournaments, Wilson now heads into an important period of the season full of confidence.

His attention will quickly turn to next week’s Champion of Champions before the upcoming UK Championship in York, where he will be looking to complete the Triple Crown set.

Having already established himself as one of the leading players in the modern game, Wilson’s latest achievement further strengthens his position among snooker’s elite.

For now, the Warrior can celebrate a remarkable fortnight, two consecutive ranking titles and another major milestone in an already impressive career.