Masters 2025: Kyren Wilson Swaps Blonde Tips for Brown Hair in Win Over Zhang Anda

Kettering’s Kyren Wilson stepped onto the Alexandra Palace stage for the first time as the reigning and defending World Champion, facing China’s “snooker panda,” Zhang Anda, in a thrilling Masters first-round clash, where he narrowly won 6-4. 

Wilson caught the eye not only for his skills on the table but also for his unique new waistcoat, designed by 12-year-old Serena. The waistcoat was the winning entry in a competition run by tournament title sponsors Johnstone’s Paint and STEM Learning UK, adding a heartwarming touch to the event.

Fresh Trim for Ally Pally

Beyond the fresh fashion statement, Wilson debuted a change in his signature hairstyle. Gone were the blonde tips he sported while winning the World Championship, replaced with his more natural brown locks.

The switch wasn’t entirely by choice, however, as Wilson revealed a humorous mishap during a recent trip to China, where in his words he came out looking like the’ real slim shady’. 

“Whilst I was in China doing some exhibitions over Christmas and New Year, I went into one of the salons there, took a leaf out of Stephen Hendry's book and decided to try and get the old highlights done,” Wilson told SportsBoom.com. 

“But it turned out to just be a block of blonde, which looked horrendous. So yeah, ran out of time to get it done again,” Wilson admitted. 

The botched blonde job led to Wilson’s partner, Sophie stepping in to return his hair to its natural shade. 

‘Joker’ No More

Many athletes are superstitious, and with Wilson winning his first Triple Crown event sporting his blonde tips, we asked if parting with his signature look was a tough decision.

“It was, to be honest. If I wasn't wearing this waistcoat and sticking with my normal colours, I probably would've gone with it [the botched blonde look],” Wilson said. 

“But I thought with the purple and the yellowy orange, I looked like the Joker out of Batman, so it wasn’t a good look. It’s hard enough embracing a real funky design of a waistcoat, let alone the hair as well.”

The Warrior is Made of Steel

In the match itself, Wilson’s performance epitomised resilience. Despite Zhang leading in key stats—most points scored, most balls potted, better shot percentage, and even the highest break—Wilson clinched the victory, winning six frames to four.

Speaking post-match, Wilson emphasised the value of grit and determination in high-pressure situations.

“It just shows you the stats don't always sort of tell the story,” he said.

“The 141 [break] played a big part in a lot of those stats for Zhang, and I think he scored heavier than me, but I was still winning the frames in 50s, 60s and 70s, stuff like that. But he was winning with bigger one visits.”

“It just shows that I can hang on in there. It just shows you what sort of steel I've got.”

With his first-round win in the bag and a statement of intent delivered, Wilson now looks ahead to the rest of the tournament, determined to build on his World Championship success and continue proving himself on the snooker stage.