Reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy was eradicated on day one of many 2026 occasion, shedding 6-2 to China’s Wu Yize within the first spherical.
Murphy, who beat Kyren Wilson to win the Triple Crown occasion for a second time a yr in the past, misplaced the opening three frames and, regardless of taking body 4, then misplaced the fifth on a black-ball end.
Wu, 22, is ranked thirteenth on the earth and picked up his first rating title in November when he gained the Worldwide Championship in Yanjing in his dwelling nation, beating world champions Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong and John Higgins alongside the way in which.
On his Alexandra Palace debut, Wu made an outstanding clearance of 137 in body two and a break of 56 in body seven.
He’ll play both present UK champion Mark Selby or China’s Xiao Guodong within the quarter-finals on Thursday.
“I felt a little bit of strain once I entered the stadium as a result of it was the primary time I’ve performed in such a giant stadium and the followers have been so enthusiastic,” stated Wu.
“After the primary body, I felt a bit extra relaxed and I completely loved the ambiance. It is undoubtedly an incredible achievement for myself – my first time taking part in on the Masters and the primary time beating Shaun Murphy.”
For 43-year-old Murphy, who reached the semi-final of the UK Championship final month, it was a disappointing afternoon with him failing to register a single break of fifty.
“I have been trying ahead to at the moment for a yr, strolling out as champion, however I loved the primary 10 minutes,” stated Murphy. “I did not play effectively, definitely the worst efficiency of my season, possibly the worst within the Masters.
“I am very disillusioned. None of it was there. I felt every little thing I touched was not there. I have been working very laborious, practising laborious, taking part in a whole lot of snooker, so I did not anticipate to play like that and I am as shocked as anybody.
“Wu seemed calm, checked out ease and absolutely deserved his win. He can be a handful for anybody he performs.”
