The world’s top 16 snooker players head to Alexandra Palace on Sunday as the Masters gets under way, marking the start of the sport’s premier invitation event.
One of the most prestigious tournaments on the calendar, the Masters once again brings together the elite of the game for a week of high quality competition in north London.
The Masters Snooker will be broadcast live on BBC1, BBC2 and iplayer from the start time on Sunday 11th January. The matches will be live streaming available via bet365’s Live Sports service.
The Masters Snooker TV Channel Today
- BBC TV and BBC iplayer
- Bet365 live streaming service
Watch The Masters Snooker LIVE streaming with Bet365 here
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Defending champion Shaun Murphy returns after lifting the trophy last year with a victory over Kyren Wilson in the final.
Murphy will face a stacked field this time around, with former champions and leading contenders including Mark Selby, Judd Trump, Neil Robertson and Zhao Xintong all aiming to take the crown.
One notable absentee is eight time Masters winner Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has withdrawn from the tournament on medical grounds.
His decision has had a major impact on the draw and the betting landscape, removing one of the most successful and popular figures in the event’s history.
O’Sullivan’s withdrawal has significantly altered the outlook for Robertson, who was originally scheduled to face the Rocket in a blockbuster first round clash. Instead, the Australian now meets Chris Wakelin, a change that has seen Robertson’s chances of reaching the quarter finals shorten dramatically.
The 43 year old has enjoyed a strong season on the big stage and looks well placed to mount another serious challenge at Alexandra Palace. Robertson claimed the Saudi Arabia Masters title in August and followed that with a runner up finish at the Riyadh Season Championship, highlighting his consistency in major events.
Further deep runs at the UK Championship and the Champion of Champions have underlined Robertson’s ability to raise his game when the spotlight is brightest. Those performances suggest the Masters could once again bring out his very best snooker.
In the next round, Robertson is likely to face either Kyren Wilson or Si Jiahui, both of whom have struggled to find top form in recent weeks. That scenario places the Australian in a strong position to progress deep into the tournament.
A further boost comes from the draw itself. Highly fancied contenders Judd Trump and Zhao Xintong are positioned in the opposite half, potentially clearing Robertson’s path towards the final.
With form, experience and confidence on his side, the Melbourne cueman appears well placed to challenge for a third Masters title.
As the Masters begins, the stage is set for another compelling week of snooker at Alexandra Palace.
With the world’s best players assembled and storylines already emerging, all eyes will be on who can seize the moment and lift one of the game’s most coveted trophies.
