The first round of the 2025 Snooker Masters has concluded, with all eight finalists now determined. The lineup includes six top players from the 80s and two world champions from the 90s, making for a star-studded field that promises exciting matches ahead! China's top player, Ding Junhui, will face the world number one, Judd Trump, in the second round.
In this year's Masters, almost all the top players are participating. Ronnie O'Sullivan chose to withdraw, allowing Neil Robertson to step in and receive a lucky draw. In the first round against Higgins, Robertson played exceptionally well, pulling off a stunning comeback to win 6-5 and secure his place in the quarterfinals. Shaun Murphy defeated Gary Wilson 6-3, while Mark Selby easily eliminated Ali Carter with a 6-1 victory. Judd Trump triumphed over Hawkins with a decisive 6-1 win, and Luca Brecel advanced by defeating Chris Wakelin 6-3.
This year, three Chinese players competed in the Masters. However, in the first round, Zhang Anda lost 4-6 to Kyren Wilson, and Si Jiahui was defeated 2-6 by Mark Allen, both experiencing early exits. Ding Junhui lived up to expectations, defeating three-time world champion Mark Williams with a strong 6-5 victory to advance.
Thus, the quarterfinals feature six top players from the 80s: Neil Robertson vs. Murphy, Allen vs. Selby, and Trump vs. Ding Junhui; as well as two world champions from the 90s: Brecel vs. Wilson.
Clearly, the second-round matchup between Ding Junhui and Judd Trump is a heavyweight battle. Not long ago, in an exhibition match, Ding Junhui made a remarkable comeback to defeat Trump. Now, they meet again in the Masters. Can China's top player make it into the semifinals?