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 – 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 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 claim his second Triple Crown title 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.

Alonso was only in charge since June

Real Madrid have confirmed that Xabi Alonso has left his role as first team head coach after just over seven months in charge, with Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final proving decisive. The loss to their biggest rivals, combined with Madrid sitting four points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga, brought an abrupt end to Alonso’s brief tenure on the Bernabéu bench.

Alvaro Arbeloa will take over effective immediately.

Alonso officially began his role on June 1, arriving in Madrid after a highly successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the domestic double in the 2023/24 season and guided the club to the Europa League final. His start in Madrid was encouraging. After overseeing a run to the Club World Cup semi-finals, Alonso led the team to 13 wins in his next 14 matches, with the only blemish a heavy derby defeat to Atlético Madrid.

Momentum shifted in early November, however, when a loss at Liverpool on 4 November triggered a downturn in form. Madrid managed just two wins in an eight-game stretch, raising concerns inside the club hierarchy. Although Alonso steadied the ship with a subsequent run of five consecutive victories, it ultimately failed to restore full confidence among decision-makers.

With Barcelona pulling clear in the title race and another Clásico defeat on a major stage, Real Madrid’s leadership opted for change. Alonso departs with his reputation intact, but his first managerial chapter at the club he once captained has come to an unexpectedly swift conclusion.

Real Madrid Official Statement

“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.
 
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
 
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter this wild card matchup riding the emotional high of last week’s AFC North clincher. Their win over the Baltimore Ravens came down to a final kick that sailed wide right, sealing a tense 26 to 24 victory. Aaron Rodgers guided the offense with calm precision, while the defense delivered key stops that kept Baltimore from closing the gap. Reports from national outlets and local Pittsburgh coverage describe a team that leaned on veteran leadership and defensive grit to secure the division title.

Rodgers vs Stroud

Aaron Rodgers now steps into a marquee quarterback duel with Houston’s CJ Stroud. Rodgers has provided stability and timely playmaking for Pittsburgh throughout the season, helping the Steelers overcome early inconsistency. Stroud enters the game after leading Houston to a strong finish, including a decisive win over Indianapolis in Week 18. His accuracy and poise have drawn praise across Houston media, and he remains central to the Texans offensive identity. Both quarterbacks bring contrasting styles, with Rodgers relying on experience and Stroud showcasing dynamic growth.

Defense Is Key To Victory

The defensive battle may define the night. Pittsburgh welcomes the return of JJ Watt, whose presence adds power and leadership to a unit already anchored by standout performers. The Steelers defense has thrived on pressure and timely turnovers, shaping many of their wins. Houston counters with a defense that has been among the league’s most efficient, holding opponents in check during their late season surge. Analysts across national and local outlets point to key defenders on both sides who could shift momentum with a single play.

The Winner Moves On

The winner of this matchup moves on to face a formidable opponent in the divisional round. Pittsburgh would carry the confidence of a division title and a home playoff win into the next stage. Houston would advance with the momentum of a strong finish and a road victory that reinforces their status as a rising contender. Coverage from league and local sources suggests that whichever team advances will face a challenging path, but both possess the talent and resilience to make a deep postseason run