Masters Snooker

Second in prestige only to the World Championships, The Masters kicks off this weekend. 16 of the top snooker players will battle it out for the crown of Masters champion.

Previously held at the Wembley Conference centre, this year sees the tournament hosted from Alexandra Palace. There are some interesting first round match ups.

Ding Junhui takes on Ronnie O'Sullivan to kick off the tournament. A fitting final some would say and it is hard to pick a winner in this match. I go O'Sullivan just.

The evening session sees Mark Williams take on Stephen McGuire. Two contrasting styles, Williams seemingly just rolling any ball in while McGuire is more of a classic break builder. McGuire will be buoyed by a recent win but I think Williams will just squeak this one.

Judd Trump faces Stuart Bingham. Trump has become a crowd favourite but will have to keep his showman antics down to a minimum if he is to overcome a gutsy match play player in Bingham. I do think Trump will win this one.

Shaun Murphy takes on Martin Gould. These two have form and Murphy will need every inch of his best form to get past the dogged Gould. I think a potential upset could be on the cards here and think Gould could frustrate Murphy.

John Higgins faces Matthew Stevens in another match fitting of a final. The Scotsman is widely regarded as the best match player in the world but Stevens has the game to put a decent run together. He seems to finally have found his A game after a few wilderness years following his pal Paul Hunter's untimely death. I am going for a Stevens win in this one.

Neil Robertson will play Mark Allen. Neither player seems to be a firm fans favourite in this country. I have no answers as to why that is but I think Allen will prevail in this one.

Mark Selby takes on Stephen Lee. Lee's Rolls Royce cue action will need to be in top gear if he is to overcome Selby. I don't see it happening and think Selby will win.

The final match of the first round pairs Ali Carter and Graeme Dott. Both players are capable of greatness on their day but neither have too many of those days. Carter frustrates as the talent is obviously there while Dott is the most determined character in the snooker world. Another match that is hard to call but I am going for Carter. Just.

Whatever the outcome of these matches and the following quarter finals it is definately a week to put your feet up and enjoy the best of the baize players doing what they do best.