Masters 2026: Defending titleholder Shaun Murphy falls to Wu Yize in opening round

Defending Masters champion Shaun Murphy faced defeat on the first day of the 2026 tournament, falling 6-2 to China’s Wu Yize in the initial round.

Murphy, who triumphed over Kyren Wilson to claim the Triple Crown event for a second time a year ago, lost the first three frames and, while he secured frame four, he subsequently dropped the fifth on a black-ball finish.

Wu, 22, holds the 13th position in the world rankings and achieved his inaugural ranking title in November, winning the International Championship in Yanjing in his homeland, overcoming world champions Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and John Higgins along the route.

In his Alexandra Palace debut, Wu executed an impressive clearance of 137 in frame two and a break of 56 in frame seven.

He is set to compete against either reigning UK champion Mark Selby or China’s Xiao Guodong in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

«I experienced some pressure entering the arena since it was my first occasion playing in such a grand venue and the audience was extremely enthusiastic,» Wu remarked.

«After the inaugural frame, I felt significantly more relaxed and fully appreciated the ambiance. It’s certainly a remarkable accomplishment for me – my initial experience at the Masters and my first victory against Shaun Murphy.»

For 43-year-old Murphy, who made it to the semi-finals of the UK Championship last month, it was a regretful afternoon as he failed to register a single break of 50.

«I’ve anticipated today for a year, walking out as champion, but I relished the first 10 minutes,» Murphy said. «I played poorly, definitely the worst showing of my season, perhaps even the worst in the Masters.

«I am extremely disappointed. Nothing was evident. I felt that everything I attempted was absent. I have been working diligently, practicing earnestly, and playing a lot of snooker, so I did not expect to perform like that and I am as astonished as anyone.

«Wu appeared composed, at ease, and thoroughly deserved his victory. He will be a tough opponent for anyone he faces.»