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.”

It was a wild super wild card weekend in the National Football League with last minute heroics and crushing moments for several teams. Fans witnessed dramatic finishes across every matchup as the postseason opened with unforgettable tension.

Rams at Panthers

The weekend opened with the Rams edging the Panthers in a tight contest. Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes and delivered the winning strike with under a minute left. The Rams held off a late Carolina push and advanced with a 34 to 31 victory.

Bears at Packers

Chicago stunned Green Bay with a furious fourth quarter rally. The Bears erased an eighteen point deficit and surged ahead with a dominant late run. Their comeback sealed a 31 to 27 win and sent shockwaves through the NFC field.

Bills at Jaguars

Buffalo and Jacksonville traded blows in a tense battle. Josh Allen powered the Bills with a late touchdown run that broke a tied game in the final minutes. A key interception ended the Jaguars hopes and secured a 27 to 24 Buffalo win.

49ers at Eagles

San Francisco leaned on steady play and timely defense to defeat Philadelphia. Brock Purdy guided the 49ers offense with efficient drives that kept pressure on the Eagles. The 49ers closed out a 23 to 19 win and advanced to face Seattle.

Chargers at Patriots

New England controlled the game from the start and shut down the Chargers offense. The Patriots defense forced mistakes and limited scoring chances throughout the night. Their steady approach produced a 16 to 3 victory and a spot in the next round.

What Comes Next

The divisional round now features several compelling matchups shaped by these dramatic finishes. Each advancing team carries momentum from a weekend filled with pressure and resolve. The next round promises more intensity as the road to the championship continues.

If you want, I can shape this into a sidebar package with quick link boxes for each game.