Quick Read
- The Masters Snooker 2026 semi-finals are taking place today, January 17, at Alexandra Palace.
- The tournament offers a total prize fund of £1,015,000, with the winner receiving £350,000.
- Today’s semi-final matches are Judd Trump vs. John Higgins and Wu Yize vs. Kyren Wilson.
- Defending champion Shaun Murphy and four-time world champion Mark Selby were eliminated in the first round.
- Eight-time Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the tournament for medical reasons.
The Masters Snooker 2026 tournament reaches its highly anticipated semi-final stage today, January 17, at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace. With a substantial total prize fund of £1,015,000 on offer, the competition among the sport’s elite has intensified, following a week of surprising upsets and thrilling contests. The remaining four players – Judd Trump, John Higgins, Wu Yize, and Kyren Wilson – are now vying not only for a place in Sunday’s final but also for the prestigious Paul Hunter Trophy and a significant portion of the seven-figure prize pot.
As one of snooker’s three Triple Crown events, alongside the World Championship and the UK Championship, The Masters has a rich history dating back to 1975, making it the second-longest running professional snooker tournament. This year’s edition has drawn the top 16 players in the world, ensuring a showcase of unparalleled skill and strategic depth. The atmosphere at Alexandra Palace has been electric, with capacity crowds witnessing every frame of the drama unfold.
The Lucrative Stakes: Masters Prize Money Breakdown
The financial incentives at The Masters are substantial, reflecting the tournament’s elite status within the sport. The total prize fund of £1,015,000 is distributed across various stages of the competition, providing a significant reward for performance:
- Winner: £350,000
- Runner-up: £140,000
- Semifinalists: £75,000 each
- Quarterfinalists: £40,000 each
- First Round Losers: £25,000 each
- Highest Break: £15,000
These figures underscore the high stakes involved, making every frame, every pot, and every strategic decision critical for the players. The prospect of lifting the Paul Hunter Trophy, named in honour of the three-time Masters champion who tragically passed away in 2006 at the age of 27, adds an emotional resonance to the ultimate victory.
A Week of Upsets and Dominant Performances
The journey to the semi-finals has been anything but predictable, marked by several early exits for established stars. Defending champion Shaun Murphy, who claimed his second Masters title last year by defeating Kyren Wilson 10-7, suffered a shock 6-2 defeat to China’s Wu Yize on the opening day. Another major upset saw four-time world champion Mark Selby also fall 2-6 to Xiao Guodong. Notably, all eight of the first-round matches remarkably concluded with a 6-2 scoreline, indicating a series of dominant performances or surprising vulnerabilities.
As the tournament progressed into the quarter-finals, the matches became increasingly tense and closely contested. Scotland’s John Higgins, a seasoned veteran, secured a hard-fought 6-5 victory over Zhao Xintong, breaking the earlier pattern of decisive 6-2 wins. Judd Trump continued his strong form, dispatching Mark Allen 6-2. Wu Yize delivered a commanding performance, whitewashing Xiao Guodong 6-0, while Kyren Wilson resisted a spirited comeback from Neil Robertson to scrape through with a 6-5 win. These results set the stage for today’s high-stakes semi-final clashes.
Today’s Semi-Final Encounters and the Road to the Final
Today, Saturday, January 17, will see two captivating semi-final matches determine who advances to tomorrow’s grand final. The afternoon session, starting at 1pm GMT, features a highly anticipated battle between current world number one Judd Trump and the legendary John Higgins. Trump, a former Masters champion, enters the match as the favourite, but Higgins’s experience and recent form make him a formidable challenger.
The evening session, commencing at 7pm GMT, will pit rising star Wu Yize against the resilient Kyren Wilson. Wu Yize’s impressive run, including his victory over the defending champion, has made him a player to watch, while Wilson’s tenacity has seen him overcome tough opponents. Both matches are best of 11 frames, meaning the first player to reach six frames will secure their spot in the final.
The grand final is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, with sessions at 1pm and 7pm GMT. The ultimate showdown will be a best of 19 frames contest, requiring a player to win ten frames to claim the championship. Spectators can follow all the action live on the BBC, including BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.
Notable Absences and Tournament Format
One of the most talked-about absences from this year’s Masters is that of eight-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who withdrew from the competition just two days before play began, citing “medical reasons.” His absence has undoubtedly opened up the field, contributing to the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
The format of The Masters ensures a focused and intense viewing experience. Unlike some other tournaments where multiple matches might run concurrently, The Masters features only one match per session and a maximum of two matches per day. The first round, quarter-finals, and semi-finals are played as the best of 11 frames (first to 6), while the final extends to the best of 19 frames (first to 10), demanding even greater endurance and mental fortitude from the finalists.
Current odds place Judd Trump as the even-money favourite to win the title, followed by Kyren Wilson at 2/1, and both John Higgins and Wu Yize at 3/1. These odds reflect the competitive balance among the remaining players, promising an exciting conclusion to one of snooker’s most prestigious events.
The Masters Snooker 2026 has distinguished itself through a compelling blend of tradition and contemporary drama, with the significant prize money acting as a powerful catalyst for exceptional performance and unexpected outcomes. The early upsets of top seeds like Shaun Murphy and Mark Selby underscore the increasing depth of talent in professional snooker, demonstrating that no victory is assured and every player at this elite level is capable of challenging for the sport’s highest honours.