Wu Yize upset defending champion Shaun Murphy 6-2 in the opening round of the 2026 Masters. Murphy lost the first three frames quickly, though he managed to win frame four before losing frame five on a deciding black ball.
Murphy’s performance fell significantly short of expectations for the champion who captured his second Masters title just twelve months prior by defeating Kyren Wilson. The 43-year-old failed to produce a single break exceeding 50 points throughout the match, describing it as possibly his worst Masters display ever.
Wu, 22 and ranked 13th globally, demonstrated impressive skill and composure in his inaugural Alexandra Palace appearance. The Chinese player constructed a 137-point clearance in the second frame and added a 56-point break in the seventh frame. His victory marks his first Masters participation and represents a significant career milestone.
Wu claimed his maiden ranking title in November at the International Championship in Yanjing, where he impressively defeated world champions Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and John Higgins. Speaking after his Alexandra Palace debut, Wu acknowledged the pressure of competing in such a prestigious venue but expressed satisfaction with adapting quickly to the environment and atmosphere.
Murphy acknowledged Wu’s superior performance, noting his opponent remained calm throughout and fully deserved the victory. Murphy admitted his preparation and practice had not translated into match performance. Wu will advance to face either current UK champion Mark Selby or China’s Xiao Guodong in Thursday’s quarter-finals.
