Snooker
Masters Snooker 2024 preview: O’Sullivan in line to extend Masters record
The 50th edition of the Masters, the second leg of snooker’s triple crown, will see the 16 top-ranked players in the world go head-to-head at Alexandra Palace in a bid to be crowned 2024 Masters champion.
Read on as we run through the major contenders at this year’s event.
Trump looking to ace his way to another Masters title
Last year’s winner Judd Trump saw off Barry Hawkins 10-8 in the 2023 final to land his second Masters title. Trump was in scintillating form through the autumn, winning the English Open, Wuhan Open and Northern Ireland Open in quick succession. However, his form has dipped slightly since, as he fell to a first round loss in the Scottish Open and lost out in the semi-finals of the UK Championship.
There’s no doubt Trump will be aiming to redress that slip in form at Alexandra Palace, and a first round tie against Kyren Wilson should help settle his nerves. The Ace in the Pack is 4/1 to land back-to-back Masters titles.
Rocket Ronnie can extend title record
No player has more Masters titles to their name then the masterful Ronnie O’Sullivan, with the Englishman bidding for his eighth this year and looking to go two clear of next best Stephen Hendry. At 48-years-old, O’Sullivan is ranked number one in the world and at his best he is still virtually unplayable. While he doesn’t play as many tournaments as he once did, there’s no doubting that Ronnie saves his best for the big tournaments, as he showed when winning the UK Championship in December. O’Sullivan begins his Masters campaign against Ding Junhui, who he beat 10-7 in the UK Championship final.
While he hasn’t won The Masters since 2017, you always have to fear O’Sullivan, especially at Alexandra Palace, a venue he loves playing at, and he comes into this year’s event as the 4/1 joint-favourite.
Selby out to prove he can be the Jester once again
Mark Selby is a three-time Masters champion, having triumphed at Alexandra Palace in 2008, 2010 and most recently in 2013. At his best Selby is a brilliant player, particularly when embroiled in a tight game, as his safety play is known for often tying his opponents in knots. He shouldn’t have much trouble progressing past Robert Milkins in round one and from there he could be a danger to all if hitting his stride.
After losing out in both the World Championship final and British Open final last year, the Jester will be aiming to make amends and land another major. He enters the competition priced at 13/2.
The chasing pack
The Masters features the 16 best players in the world and any one of them could win the title if they hit a patch of form. Shaun Murphy (14/1), Mark Allen (14/1), Mark Williams (16/1), Neil Robertson (16/1), John Higgins (16/1) and Ding Junhui (18/1) are all former Masters champions and are in the hunt again this year. There could be a bit of value to be had though by taking a chance on last year’s World Champion Luca Brecel at 18/1, who showed at the Crucible last April that he can be a real force in the majors.
