Wu Yize took advantage of an awful display from Shaun Murphy to win his first-ever match at the prestigious Masters on Sunday in London.
Debutants often struggle with the occasion of making their maiden appearance in the invitation tournament at the Alexandra Palace.
But Wu settled quickly – making a terrific break of 137 in the second frame – and was by far the better player as his esteemed opponent struggled badly for form.
Twelve months ago, Murphy had produced arguably the finest week’s performance of his entire career to claim the Paul Hunter Trophy for the second time.
Yet it was a very different story on this occasion as he bowed out at the opening hurdle following an error-strewn display.
For Wu, it was another positive sign in a period full of them that the 22 year-old is preparing to make his breakthrough into the highest echelons.
“I was a bit lost in the moment and my favourite music was playing,” Wu Yize told the World Snooker Tour about his initial introduction into the packed arena, through a translator.
“Coming down from above, it was exactly the stage I had dreamed of as a child. I felt proud of myself, to say the least.”
Wu, who did need several chances in a lot of the frames he won, wasn’t entirely happy with his game but will live to fight another day in the event where there’s a whopping top prize worth £350,000 on offer.
What will stand him in good stead is how he handled the occasion despite playing one of the most experienced competitors in the sport.
“I don’t think Murphy played well today. I made a few good shots, but there were also some terrible mistakes,” the International Championship winner continued.
“When it came down to the critical moments, I think my consistency gave me a slight edge in a few situations and helped me to win.”
“In the fifth frame, I remember he misplayed a safety shot with the rest, and then I took my chance – that wasn’t a difficult shot at all.
“Then I felt the seventh frame was quite important as well. I made a bad mistake on the black, but he also missed to the middle pocket.
“For me, it’s all the same who I played next. They are both great players. I just keep practicing, staying in form, while waiting for the next match to begin.”
As it turns out, it’ll be an all-Chinese battle in the quarter-finals with Wu set to challenge countryman and fellow Masters debutant Xiao Guodong.
The latter stunned the in-form Mark Selby with a strong 6-2 outing that included breaks of 118, 95, 77, 76, and 62.
On Monday, the first round of the 2026 Masters draw will continue with another couple of bruising battles.
Mark Williams and Mark Allen face off in a showdown of former champions in the afternoon session, while world champion Zhao Xintong entertains Gary Wilson in the evening game.
Round 1 (bo11)
Shaun Murphy (1) 2-6 Wu Yize (13)
Mark Selby (8) 2-6 Xiao Guodong (11)
Neil Robertson (5) vs Chris Wakelin
Wed 14 Jan, 19:00 GMT
Kyren Wilson (4) vs Si Jiahui (15)
Tue 13 Jan, 13:00 GMT
Judd Trump (3) vs Ding Junhui (12)
Wed 14 Jan, 13:00 GMT
Mark Williams (6) vs Mark Allen (10)
Mon 12 Jan, 13:00 GMT
John Higgins (7) vs Barry Hawkins (14)
Tue 13 Jan, 19:00 GMT
Zhao Xintong (2) vs Gary Wilson (16)
Mon 12 Jan, 19:00 GMT
Featured photo credit: WST
Even when Wu began to struggle after the interval, Murphy failed to capitalise. His safety was often casual, long potting off kilter and the cue ball control slack.
Si Jiahui the only player in this year’s field yet to win a ranking event.