Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby both suffered unexpected defeats on the opening day of the Masters at Alexandra Palace. Shaun Murphy, the reigning champion, lost 6-2 to China's Wu Yize, while current UK title holder Mark Selby was beaten by Xiao Guodong in a similar scoreline.
Murphy, who had been looking forward to the event for over a year and walked out as champion from the previous Triple Crown tournament, struggled throughout the match. He failed to register a single break of 50 and lost the opening three frames before taking frame four but ultimately succumbing to Wu's consistent play.
Wu, ranked 13th in the world, won his first ranking title last November by defeating Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and John Higgins at the International Championship. He played a superb game, clearing 137 in frame two and making a break of 56 in frame seven. Murphy described Wu's performance as "calm" and said that he looked "at ease", adding that his opponent deserved his win.
Meanwhile, Selby, who won the UK Championship last month, was outplayed by Xiao Guodong. The Chinese player made several key breaks to take an early lead, before Selby fought back with a couple of centuries. However, he ultimately lost the match, and described his performance as "not good" but added that he still felt "good about my game".
Murphy, who had been looking forward to the event for over a year and walked out as champion from the previous Triple Crown tournament, struggled throughout the match. He failed to register a single break of 50 and lost the opening three frames before taking frame four but ultimately succumbing to Wu's consistent play.
Wu, ranked 13th in the world, won his first ranking title last November by defeating Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and John Higgins at the International Championship. He played a superb game, clearing 137 in frame two and making a break of 56 in frame seven. Murphy described Wu's performance as "calm" and said that he looked "at ease", adding that his opponent deserved his win.
Meanwhile, Selby, who won the UK Championship last month, was outplayed by Xiao Guodong. The Chinese player made several key breaks to take an early lead, before Selby fought back with a couple of centuries. However, he ultimately lost the match, and described his performance as "not good" but added that he still felt "good about my game".
. People say he was overconfident after winning the Triple Crown, and I think he underestimated Wu Yize's skills 
. Losing to someone 13th in the world isn't the end of the world, but it shows that even the best players can have off days 
. Maybe this will make him work harder on his game? Mark Selby's loss is pretty sad, though 
. He was so dominant last month at the UK Championship, and to get beat by Xiao Guodong like that... I guess we'll just have to wait and see how he bounces back 
I mean, Shaun is supposed to be all confident after winning Triple Crown, but I guess he was overhyped. He looked like a robot out there, couldn't even make a break of 50 
and lost to someone ranked 13th in the world? That's just harsh. And what's with all these "I deserved my win" comments from Wu? Like, congrats on winning, dude 
. On the other hand, Selby got outplayed by Xiao Guodong too. I feel for Mark, he's been dominating UK titles lately, but sometimes you gotta step up and it didn't happen this time 
. I mean, 6-2 is a big loss for the champ, especially after all the hype leading up to this event.
, he's got some tough opponents in this tournament. Xiao Guodong was just too good today and it's not like Mark didn't try hard or anything. I do feel bad for him because he was looking so strong after winning the UK Championship last month.
and Mark Selby also falls victim to Xiao Guodong 
And Selby, man... you'd think with your game last month, you'd be on top of your form. Not good enough this time around 
still, can't wait to see what the rest of the tournament has in store! 
. I mean, the guy played a solid game and deserved his win. Murph just couldn't get anything going 
. And poor Mark Selby too 
! Still, these losses won't hold back either of them - they're both top pros for a reason 
u think he'll bounce back from this or is he gonna struggle the rest of the tournament? and selby's loss kinda makes sense tho - mark selby can be a bit of a dark horse sometimes, but i feel like xiao guodong brought his A-game 
anyway, i hope both murphy and selby get their mojo back!
He's clearly on the rise.
. anyway, can't deny Xiao Guodong's skills 
. but yeah, I'm rooting for Shaun to bounce back strong from this