'Positive start to the season' as Kettering star Wilson falls just short in Shanghai
Kyren Wilson reflected on a 'positive start to the new season' after he was beaten in the final of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.
The Kettering snooker star, who had claimed the Shanghai crown by beating Ali Carter in the showpiece last year, lost 11-6 to world No.1 Judd Trump.
Trump led 7-3 after the final's opening session before taking four of the next seven frames to clinch the first big event of the 2026-27 season.
And Wilson took to Instagram to sum up his feelings after the defeat.
He wrote: "Not to be this year! Gave it my all to defend my Shanghai masters title but fell one short in the final! Congrats to Judd. Positive start to the new season. Until next time Shanghai xie xie."
Trump was delighted to see off Wilson, especially given he has had trouble defeating him in previous finals.
"He's beaten me in the last few finals," Trump told the WST website.
"It was nice to start the season in that kind of manner and get one over on him.
"This tournament is amazing. I love coming to Shanghai. It is the first tournament of the year and it is a bit unknown how you are going to play.
"The last time I won Shanghai I had a great season after that.
"You need to win tournaments like this to test yourself against the best.
"It was important to get off to a good start. I've done that, I just need to do the rest now."
The first main ranking tournament of the season starts on Saturday when the China Open returns to the calendar for the first time since 2019.
It will take place in Taiyuan from August 8 to August 16, replacing the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, which was cancelled after only two years of a 10-year deal.
Wilson will begin his campaign with a first-round tie against Ireland's Aaron Hill.