"Snooker Fans Cry 'Set-Up' After Strange Scores in Masters' Opening Matches"

SNOOKER fans have joked that the Masters is a “set-up” after a bizarre set of scores to start the tournament.

The second Triple Crown event of the season got underway on Sunday at Alexandra Palace and the first six matches have already caused a stir with fans online.

The Masters first round has seen a remarkable set of results in the first six gamesCredit: PA

Remarkably, all six of the opening ties have ended with a 6-2 scoreline.

It was Wu Yize, Xiao Guodong, Zhao Xintong, Mark Allen, and who came out victorious in those opening clashes, getting the better of Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, Gary Wilson, Mark Williams, Si Jiahui and Barry Hawkins respectively.

The unbelievable scorelines have left fans scratching their heads and even teasing that it could be a “set-up”.

One fan wrote on social media: “No way all those scores are so sus, feels like a setup honestly”.

While another added: “What were the odds on that?”

And a third posted: “Crazy results!”

Of course, the surprising results are simply a freak coincidence.

Just two more games remain in the first round of the tournament, with vs Junhui Ding and Neil Robertson vs Chris Wakelin set to take place today.

Some fans suggested the familiar scorelines could have been down to the table at Ally Pally, .

Former world champions and Steve Davis criticised the table during Xiao Guodong’s first-round victory over on Sunday.

and clinging to cushions before dropping into corner pockets.

Davis said: “There’s something wrong with the table. It happened this afternoon. The balls are hugging the rail.

“The top slates need levelling up. The table fitters need to go out and check the level of the top slates.

“If those balls are hugging that top rail, then it’s going to make the game incredibly easy to make big breaks. It’s also wrong that a ball should go in that easily. This looks like it’s not level.”

Organisers hit back at the criticism with a statement that claimed the table was checked prior to the matches.

A statement read: “The table is checked before, during and after every match, as is standard at any event.

“We strive to provide the best possible playing conditions and our team of expert table fitters do a fantastic job.”

Steve Davis is amongst a number of high-profile players and pundits who have claimed that the conditions at the Masters are not up to scratchCredit: Alamy