Sunday January 12th 2025
John Higgins V Neil Robertson - 13:00
A last-minute entry into the tournament due to Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrawing on medical grounds mean Australia's Neil Robertson is thrown in at the deep end on day 1 as he takes on 'Class of 92' legend John Higgins.
It will be the pairs first meeting at the Masters and head-to-head gives very little indication as to who will come out on top of this heavyweight clash. (16-15 Robertson).
After a below-par 2023, Robertson returned to the winners circle this season after defeating Wu Yize 9-7 to claim the English Open. On the other hand, Higgins has failed to lift any silverware with a final appearance at the British Open his best finish this season to date.
The pair have failed to win their first-round matches at Alexandra Palace for the last 2 years so somethings got to give this afternoon.
I'm siding with the Aussie to get over the line after a hard-fought, close encounter and grasp the opportunity he has been given after O'Sullivan's withdrawal.
Prediction 6-4 Robertson
Shaun Murphy V Gary Wilson - 19:00
An interesting battle between two players who have under-achieved this season. Without picking up any silverware this season, Murphy has reached 3 quarter-finals, 1 semi-final and a final so doesn't seem too far away from producing his best form and has seemed to make a habit of being defeated by the eventual tournament winner. (5 times this season).
Gary Wilson is yet to secure a victory at the Masters having only appeared once at the Triple Crown event. (6-2 loss to Kyren Wilson). He will hope to change that stat tonight as he takes on the world number 7.
On recent form it's difficult to see Wilson troubling Murphy tonight as the possibility of the Magician stamping his authority on this week's competition looms large.
Prediction 6-1 Murphy
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