Mark Allen overcame Mark Williams in a match that failed to live up to its potential, as day two of the 2026 Masters concluded with Allen and Zhao Xintong adding their names to the quarter-final line-up.
The Northern Irishman has come under criticism in recent years for slowing his game down, often leading to energy-sapping marathons. It is something he is keen to address, yet after a bout of food poisoning scuppered his preparations, the priority was simply getting over the line – which was helped by a below-par display from the two-time former champion.
In the evening match, reigning world champion Zhao Xintong swept aside Gary Wilson to reach the quarter-finals of the Masters for the first time.
Mark Allen overcomes illness and errors to defeat Williams
Mark Allen 6 – 2 Mark Williams (best of 11 frames)
2018 Masters champion Mark Allen overcame a bout of food poisoning and an error-riddled start to the session to prevail over two-time champion Mark Williams.
After taking the lead with a break of 54, errors crept into both players games, with Williams almost bemused at taking a 2-1 lead given his pot success was well below 80%.
However, Allen overcame his own poor play to level the match going into the mid-session interval. He then produced breaks of 60, 125, and 70 to move 5–2 ahead. Despite his efforts, Williams could not offer anything to suggest a comeback, and Allen closed out the next frame to secure the win.
Allen will play the winner of Wednesday’s match between Judd Trump and Ding Junhui in the quarter-finals.
Zhao purring in victory over Wilson
Zhao Xintong 6 – 2 Gary Wilson (best of 11 frames)
After making history as China’s first world champion, Zhao Xintong has struggled for form early in the season. Encouragingly, after winning November’s Riyadh Season Championship, Zhao has re-entered the conversation as a contender to complete his Triple Crown collection this week.
After taking the opening frame, Wilson’s poor shot choices handed Zhao the initiative, as the Chinese star built a 3–1 lead by the mid-session interval with breaks of 50, 51 and 54.
After the interval, Zhao continued his fine form, compiling breaks of 72 and 67 to wrap up a 6–2 victory and earn his first quarter-final berth at Alexandra Palace.
Zhao awaits the winner of Tuesday’s match between John Higgins and Barry Hawkins.
