Neil Robertson’s 6-2 victory over Chris Wakelin at The Masters on Wednesday completed a remarkable set of identical results across all eight first-round matches, a sequence that bookmakers Ladbrokes said would have paid odds of over 17 million to one on an accumulator.
The 43-year-old Australian secured his place in the quarter-finals with a convincing win, but the freak pattern of scores meant every opening tie ended 6-2. Chinese players Xiao Guodong and Wu Yize defeated Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy respectively, while Zhao Xintong beat Gary Wilson. Mark Allen, John Higgins, Kyren Wilson and Judd Trump also recorded 6-2 wins over their opponents.
Robertson admitted he was aware of the trend during his match. “I wasn't even thinking about winning the match - I was thinking just win it 6-2,” he said. “I didn't know if someone in the audience had maybe had a pound on all the matches being the same scoreline or something. It is amazing. I hope I have made someone a multi-millionaire. I have never seen anything like that before.”
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry described the results as “phenomenal”. He added: “You would normally at least three 6-5 scores because of the nature of the tournament. It has been incredible. After the interval players have really stepped up.”
Judd Trump, who beat Ding Junhui 6-2, said: “I feel confident and have got to a few finals recently and it has taken some good players to stop me. I am full of confidence and hopefully I can go one better this tournament.” Trump also joked that he had convinced himself his game “would not be 6-2” and thought “at least I can't lose 6-2” when leading 3-0.
The Masters continues on Thursday with quarter-finals: John Higgins faces Zhao Xintong and Judd Trump takes on Mark Allen. Reigning champion Shaun Murphy was knocked out in the first round.
