Shaun Murphy (left) and Mark Selby have won the Masters title five times between them
A dramatic opening day at the Masters in London’s Alexandra Palace saw the elimination of both reigning champion Shaun Murphy and current UK titleholder Mark Selby.
Murphy suffered a 6-2 defeat to China’s Wu Yize in the first round. Selby, fresh from his UK Championship victory last month, was also ousted by the same score against another Chinese debutant, Xiao Guodong.
Murphy conceded the first three frames and, despite claiming the fourth, lost the fifth on a black-ball finish.
Wu, ranked 13th globally, secured his inaugural ranking title in November at the International Championship in Yanjing, overcoming world champions Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and John Higgins en route.
In his Alexandra Palace debut, Wu showcased his talent with a remarkable 137 clearance in the second frame and a break of 56 in the seventh.
“I felt a bit of pressure when I entered the stadium because it was the first time I’ve played in such a big stadium and the fans were so enthusiastic,” said Wu.
“After the first frame, I felt a bit more relaxed and I totally enjoyed the atmosphere. It’s definitely a great achievement for myself – my first time playing at the Masters and the first time beating Shaun Murphy.”
For the 43-year-old Murphy, who previously reached the UK Championship semi-final, it was an underwhelming performance, failing to register a single break of 50.
“I’ve been looking forward to today for a year, walking out as champion, but I enjoyed the first 10 minutes,” said Murphy, reflecting on his title win against Kyren Wilson a year prior.
“I’m very disappointed. None of it was there. I felt everything I touched was not there. I’ve been working very hard, practising hard, playing a lot of snooker, so I didn’t expect to play like that and I’m as shocked as anyone.
“I didn’t play well, certainly the worst performance of my season, maybe the worst in the Masters.
“Wu looked calm, looked at ease and fully deserved his win. He will be a handful for anyone he plays.”
Shaun Murphy won the Masters in 2015 and 2025
Wu will now face compatriot Xiao in a quarter-final clash on Thursday, following Xiao’s impressive victory against three-time champion Selby in the evening session.
The 36-year-old Xiao constructed breaks of 95, 62, 76, and 77 to secure the first four frames, while Selby’s highest break was a mere 21.
However, the four-time world champion mounted a comeback, compiling breaks of 101 and 76 to narrow the deficit to 2-4.
After a 46-minute lull without potting a ball, Xiao regained momentum with an excellent 118 break, moving within one frame of victory, which he ultimately secured by winning a tense eighth frame.
“The venue is good, the people watching are good and everything is perfect – this was my first time playing in the Masters,” said Xiao.
“We both played good and I won the first four frames and gave Mark a bit of pressure but then he came back so it was a good game.
“Nobody thought I could win. I just told myself ‘enjoy, be more relaxed and not think about winning or losing’. A lot of people were supporting me and that gives me confidence.”
The 42-year-old Selby conceded the result, stating: “In the first four frames I didn’t have many chances. Every time Xiao came to the table, I made it easy for him.
“I did well to make it 4-2 and felt I had some momentum, then I missed and Xiao punished my mistakes.
“I feel good about my game even though I lost so it’s just one to forget.”
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