Stephen Hendry: Stern Verdicts and Surprises at the 2026 Masters Snooker
The 2026 Masters has been one of the most talked-about editions of the prestigious invitational snooker event in years — not just for the quality of play, but for the criticism and alarm voiced by snooker great Stephen Hendry and other pundits over player performances, unexpected results, and overall standards throughout the tournament at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Hendry, a seven-time World Champion and one of the sport’s most respected commentators, has been unafraid to call out poor performances — from surprising upsets to basic errors by leading players — during BBC and TV coverage this week. While there has been no single press report quoting a list of “disappointing, alarming and shocking players” in those exact terms, Hendry’s on-air reactions and betting market commentary reflect deep concern about the quality and consistency of elite snooker at this Masters.
Unexpected Upsets and Early Exits
One of the most striking storylines has been the number of high-profile players bowing out earlier than expected. Defending champion Shaun Murphy — winner of the 2025 Masters — was unceremoniously knocked out in the first round by Wu Yize, a result that shocked many fans and pundits alike given Murphy’s standing in the sport. Mark Selby, another former world champion and perennial contender, also exited early — sparking discussion about whether the top tier of players is showing cracks under pressure or adjusting to tough conditions.
While Hendry hasn’t specifically published a list of the most disappointing performers, commentators including him have repeatedly highlighted the startling nature of these results and questioned whether elite players were at their best. The uniformity of 6-2 scorelines in the opening round — every first-round match concluded with that same result — drew raised eyebrows from fans and ex-professionals alike, underscoring the sense that things weren’t playing out as expected for many favourites.
Criticism of Playing Standards
Beyond who was underperforming, Hendry and fellow former champion Steve Davis openly criticized the playing conditions and the overall level of play early in the tournament. Both suggested balls were “drifting off line” and clinging to cushions before dropping into pockets — anomalies that they believed were affecting shot quality and scoring potential. That critique raised pointed questions about why seemingly simple positional play and break building were becoming inconsistent even among top professionals.
While organizers insisted that tables were thoroughly checked before each match, the very fact that experienced former champions felt compelled to comment signals alarm at what they perceived as sub-par conditions and unexpected outcomes. The discussion reverberated online among fans claiming the event “felt like a setup” due to improbable results — though that was, in most cases, suggested humorously by supporters rather than serious accusations.
Veteran Strength and New Champions
Not all commentary from Hendry has been purely negative. He praised veteran John Higgins for strong long-potting and cue control in earlier rounds, highlighting moments when top players showed flashes of elite play — even if inconsistency crept in later.
The final itself provided a complex picture: Kyren Wilson, who had endured a tough season and even faced questions about his confidence, ultimately clinched his first Masters title with a commanding 10-6 victory over Higgins. Wilson’s emotional triumph, coming weeks after a near breakdown following a UK Championship defeat, was a powerful narrative of resilience and was widely celebrated — though some commentators still noted the scrappy nature of the final and the number of missed opportunities by both finalists.
Legacy and Looking Forward
In many ways, Hendry’s commentary this week reflects tension between holding elite players accountable and adjusting expectations for a sport undergoing generational transition. While he hasn’t singled out a definitive list of disappointing or shocking performances with headline-grabbing labels, his tone — shared by many in the snooker community — illustrates a broader unease about the standards and consistency seen in this year’s Masters. Whether that signals a temporary blip or a shift in competitive balance, the 2026 Masters has undeniably provoked heated debate about the future of elite snooker.
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