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Shaun Murphy Begins Masters Title Defense With Tricky Wu Yize Opener

John Parrott warns the top seed faces a dangerous first hurdle.

Overview

  • Murphy opens his 2026 Masters campaign against Wu Yize at Alexandra Palace on Sunday afternoon.
  • Parrott says the draw is a “stinker” for the defending champion and believes Wu is capable of an upset.
  • Top seed Murphy won last year’s final 10-7 over Kyren Wilson to claim a second Masters crown.
  • Mark Selby is widely tipped after his UK Championship win and meets Xiao Guodong in the evening session.
  • The non-ranking Triple Crown event starts with a field that includes a record five Chinese players.