Masters 2025 - Day 5

Thursday January 16th 2025

Neil Robertson V Shaun Murphy - 13:00

The quarter-finals kick off this afternoon with Robertson V Murphy. What a match to look forward to in a spectacular sold-out arena.

Robertson took full advantage of his late call-up to this event to defeat John Higgins 6-5. The Australian made an inspired comeback from 5-1 down to defeat the Scotsman.

Murphy was composed and professional in defeating Gary Wilson 6-3 and even though it wasn’t a standout performance from the Magician, he will have set his sights on bigger challenges ahead.

Robertson holds a comprehensive lead in head-to heads between the pair (25-14) but it is Murphy that has the advantage in this tournament recently, he has defeated the Aussie in their last 2 meetings including in the final in 2015 (10-2).

Their last meeting in this event was in 2023 where the Englishman came out on top 6-4, I can see a similar outcome today.

Today’s match has the potential to go all the way with two of the most attacking, entertaining players to watch on the baize, it promises to be a cracking watch.

Prediction: Murphy 6-4

Mark Allen V Mark Selby - 19:00

This evening's match pits two of World Snooker Tour’s fiercest competitors against each other as Mark Selby and Mark Allen do battle for a spot in the semi-final.

The pair have played in some epic battles throughout the years, the 2023 World Championship semi-final springs to mind. On that occasion, Selby triumphed 17-15 and tonight's clash is likely to be just as close.

If replicating the form he showed during his convincing 6-1 victory over Ali Carter in the last 16, Selby will be hard to stop this week.

Allen's best form this season has been in recent months and his victory in the Riyadh snooker championship will give him confidence after a barren spell on tour, he also looked sharp throughout his 6-2 last 16 win over Si Jiahui.

Both players can be tactical at times but if they can bring their last 16 form into tonight’s quarter-final, we will be in for a treat. Whoever progresses will no doubt fancy their chances of going all the way this week.

A tie with Shaun Murphy awaits the winner after he was mightily impressive in his quarter-final victory over Neil Robertson this afternoon.

I'm siding with Selby due to the fact he looked back to his best last time out and I think he will continue on that form tonight.

Prediction: Selby 6-3