LONDON — The Masters, snooker’s most prestigious invitational, exploded into life on its opening day as two of the sport’s titans were sensationally sent packing. Reigning champion Shaun Murphy and current UK Championship holder Mark Selby, winners of seven Masters titles between them, were both eliminated in a stunning afternoon and evening of high drama at Alexandra Palace.
The day’s seismic shocks began with the ‘Magician’ Murphy failing to conjure a defence of his crown, falling 6-2 to a brilliant display from China’s Zhang Anda. The evening session then delivered an even more seismic result, as four-time world champion Selby succumbed 6-1 to a relentless Robert Milkins, who recorded his first-ever victory at the Masters in emphatic style.
Murphy's Magic Fades Against Clinical Zhang
Shaun Murphy entered the tournament as the man to beat, having claimed a thrilling victory over Judd Trump in last year’s final. However, from the outset against Zhang Anda, the 2005 world champion looked uncharacteristically flat. Zhang, competing in his debut Masters after a breakthrough season, showed no signs of nerves, compiling breaks of 68, 90, and 107 to establish a commanding 4-0 lead at the mid-session interval.
Murphy emerged from the break with renewed intent, crafting a superb 134 clearance to get on the board. He added the next frame with a run of 81 to close to 4-2, raising hopes of a trademark comeback. Yet, Zhang snuffed out the revival instantly, taking a tight seventh frame before sealing the biggest win of his career with a decisive 78 break. A stunned Murphy was left to reflect on a title defence that ended before it had truly begun.
"I just didn't play well enough," a disappointed Murphy admitted afterwards. "Zhang played very solid, very strong snooker. He potted some great balls at important times and fully deserved his victory. I just have to take it on the chin."
Selby Stunned by Milkins Masterclass
If Murphy’s exit was a surprise, Mark Selby’s comprehensive defeat bordered on the unthinkable. The ‘Jester from Leicester’, a three-time Masters champion renowned for his granite-like matchplay, was dismantled by Robert Milkins in a one-sided affair. Milkins, who had lost all three of his previous meetings with Selby, played with fearless freedom, out-scoring and out-battling the world number five at his own game.
The key moments came in a blistering spell before the interval. After sharing the opening two frames, Milkins produced a stunning clearance of 73 to steal the third on the black, a hammer blow to Selby. He then capitalized on uncharacteristic errors from Selby to take the next two frames, heading into the break with a 4-1 lead that fully reflected his dominance.
The pattern continued unabated after the restart. Milkins, now brimming with confidence, wrapped up the match with breaks of 51 and 70, celebrating a landmark win with visible emotion. For Selby, it was a rare off-day that he could scarcely afford against an opponent in such inspired form.
"I'm over the moon," said an elated Milkins. "To beat someone of Mark's calibre, at the Masters, with that scoreline... it's unbelievable. I felt good out there and just tried to take my chances. This is what you practice for."
A Day of Drama Sets Tournament Alight
The elimination of two pre-tournament favourites on day one sends a clear message that this year’s Masters is wide open. The shocks have immediately reshaped the draw, with the likes of Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Mark Allen now seeing a major obstacle removed from their potential paths to the final.
The nature of the victories also highlights the increasing depth on the World Snooker Tour. Zhang Anda and Robert Milkins demonstrated that on the one-table setup at Ally Pally, with the pressure at its most intense, reputation counts for little. Their performances were defined by:
- Clinical Scoring: Both players compiled heavy breaks at critical moments to seize control of their matches.
- Mental Fortitude: Neither showed any deference to their decorated opponents, sticking to their game plans under the spotlight.
- Capitalizing on Errors: They punished every slight mistake from Murphy and Selby, who were below their formidable best.
The atmosphere inside Alexandra Palace, already electric, was amplified by the unfolding drama. The crowd, while respectful of the fallen giants, revelled in the emergence of new narratives and the sheer unpredictability of the sport at its highest level.
What Comes Next?
For Zhang Anda, a quarter-final clash against either Jack Lisowski or world champion Luca Brecel awaits. His victory over Murphy marks him as a serious dark horse. Robert Milkins will face the winner of the match between Mark Allen and John Higgins, a daunting prospect but one he will now approach with newfound belief.
For Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby, it is a case of regrouping. The Masters is a brutal event where there is no hiding place and no second chance. Their early exits will be a bitter pill to swallow, but the relentless snooker calendar offers a quick opportunity for redemption in upcoming ranking events.
Conclusion
The opening day of the 2024 Masters will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in recent memory. In sending the defending champion and a four-time world champion home before most fans had taken their seats, Zhang Anda and Robert Milkins have not only created personal milestones but have also thrown the tournament into a state of thrilling uncertainty. The message from Ally Pally is resounding: in this field of 16 elite champions, anyone can beat anyone on their day. If day one is a precedent, we are in for a week of sensational snooker.
