Well, I guess the thing is, The Masters by definition, has the top players in the world. So it can be very hard to predict. Especially with the rolling rankings, which means the top 16 are the top form players, as well as 16 of the top players. So I don't think there can be such a thing as a shock upset in this format.
On saying that, these past four matches has proved that it is hard to predict. I predicted that if there was anybody who could prevent Ronnie from winning his tournament, it'd come from the following three; Selby, Williams or Higgins.
So there can be surprises. And I think we've all been taken unawares by some results so far. Copying Witz's idea, here's how I'd summarise.
King beating Selby - Big surprise, as Selby excels at Wembley. So far as that King called this his back yard, despite Selby being from Leicester.
Ebdon beating Carter - I had this down as a 50/50 match, so it couldn't have a shock victor, whoever had won. Though this match had zero interest to me. I didn't even know until reading Witz's thread that Carter was higher in the rankings.
So it may be more I didn't care who won.
Ding beating Williams - Certainly a surprise based on who has been on form. If this had been last season, I'd have had Ding as favourite as he was more consistent. This season Ding has done bugger all, and Williams has reached the latter stages of the World Open and the UK final. So I was expecting a Williams win. And told a Ding fan I know that Ding would lose. But was under no illusions that Ding is class. And the number 4 rank beating the number 3 rank is hardly what you'd call a shock upset. My prediction was made on this season's form only.
Dott beating Higgins - Again, I expected Higgins to win. They both have lousy records here, but Higgins has won the tournament twice at Wembley. Dott has simply won twice at Wembley. On reflection though, they are both mates, both practice a lot together, both admit to not really liking the venue. If Dott was a surprise win, it perhaps shouldn't be. He is a former World Champion, and two time World Runner up. Was this a shock, or did I just not give Dott enough credit?