The 2026 Masters snooker tournament produced one of the most extraordinary statistical anomalies in the event’s long history as all eight first-round matches ended with identical 6-2 scorelines—a sequence completed by Neil Robertson and Judd Trump at Alexandra Palace.
Robertson’s composed victory over Chris Wakelin in the final first-round tie sealed what had already become a remarkable talking point, creating a clean sweep that defied logic, probability, and precedent in elite snooker.
The odds of all eight opening matches finishing 6-2 were estimated at 220,000-1, while correctly predicting every scoreline and winner would have returned a scarcely believable 20,000,000-1.
Robertson Makes Masters History Again
Two-time Masters champion Neil Robertson ensured his name was permanently etched into tournament folklore by completing the eighth consecutive 6-2 result, a feat never before achieved at this invitational event.
The Australian, renowned for his heavy scoring and calm temperament, delivered a clinical performance against Wakelin, who was making only his second Masters appearance after stepping in as a late replacement for Ronnie O’Sullivan.
After the mid-session interval, Robertson shifted through the gears, producing back-to-back century breaks to seize control of the match and move 4-2 ahead. From that moment, the sense of inevitability surrounding the now-infamous scoreline was palpable.
“It wasn’t even about winning the match anymore,” Robertson joked on BBC Four.
“I was thinking, ‘I’ve just got to win this 6-2.’ I honestly couldn’t believe what was happening.”
He added humorously:
“I hope someone in the crowd had a pound on it and I’ve made them a multi-millionaire. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Robertson finished with superb breaks of 116, 135, and 102, underlining why he remains one of the most feared scorers on the professional circuit.
Unprecedented Masters Pattern Shocks Snooker Greats
Before this year, no more than four first-round matches at a Masters tournament had ever ended with a 6-2 scoreline. That benchmark was not just surpassed—it was doubled.
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry struggled to contain his amazement:
“It is phenomenal. Given the nature of the Masters, you usually expect at least two or three 6-5 matches. This has been incredible.”
Former world champion Ken Doherty echoed that sentiment:
“I have never seen anything like this in snooker. The level after the intervals has been unbelievable.”
The pattern began on Sunday, when rising Chinese star Wu Yize stunned defending champion Shaun Murphy 6-2, setting a tone few could have predicted would be replicated throughout the entire round.
Judd Trump Continues Ruthless Form Against Ding
Earlier on Wednesday, world number one Judd Trump had already extended the improbable run by dismantling Ding Junhui 6-2—marking the seventh straight match to finish with the same score.
The result was notable but not entirely unexpected. Trump had beaten Ding by the same margin at the UK Championship in December, and this latest win marked his fifth consecutive victory over the former Masters champion.
Trump was imperious from the outset, compiling breaks of 116 and 69 to race into a 3-0 lead. Ding briefly threatened a comeback with runs of 98 and 53, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
However, Trump immediately reasserted control, producing a break of 88, followed by superb centuries of 117 and 109 to close out the match with ruthless efficiency.
Trump Targets Third Masters Title
The Englishman, already a two-time Masters winner, admitted even he was caught up in the surreal nature of the unfolding sequence.
“At 3-0 up, I thought at least I can’t lose 6-2,” Trump said with a smile.
“It’s incredible really. The margins are so small between the players, so for every match to go the same way is unbelievable.”
Trump, who will face Mark Allen in the quarter-finals, also spoke of his growing confidence:
“I’ve had a month off tournaments but still put the work in. I feel confident and hopefully I can go one better this time.”
Ding Admits Trump’s Level Was Too High
For Ding Junhui, the defeat was another frustrating chapter against an opponent operating at the peak of his powers.
“I played a few terrible safety shots and gave him chances,” Ding admitted.
“His standard is very high. He didn’t miss much and that makes it extremely difficult.”
Ding failed to pot another ball after narrowing the score to 3-2, a testament to Trump’s relentless pressure and scoring fluency.
Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape
With the first round complete, attention now turns to the Masters quarter-finals, where Robertson will face Kyren Wilson on Friday evening, while Trump’s showdown with Mark Allen takes place on Thursday night.
Whether the tournament can produce further statistical oddities remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the 2026 Masters has already delivered a moment of snooker history that may never be repeated.
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