The second of snooker’s Triple Crown events is almost underway, as the world’s top 16 prepare to do battle at Alexandra Palace.
Last year veteran Ronnie O’Sullivan took his eighth Masters title, having won his first aged 19 in 1995, and there’s a rematch of that final 20 years ago on the opening day of action – as he takes on fellow class of 92 member John Higgins. The Wizard of Wishaw believes his fellow veterans only have a decade left of top level competition in them – with a host of younger stars including world No.1 Judd Trump and reigning world champion Kyren Wilson now taking the limelight.
The 2025 Masters will be one that everyone wants to win, as it marks the tournament’s 50th anniversary with a whopping prize pot worth more than £1million on the line – and a boisterous atmosphere that is unlike any other event. Maverick O’Sullivan will look to become the first man to defend the title since he managed the feat in 2017 and 2018, but will face as tough a test as ever – especially in the shape of Judd Trump, who pulled out of the Scottish Open in Edinburgh as says he’s fully focused on winning the World Championship in May.
Drama, action, controversy and excitement are guaranteed – and Record Sport can ensure that you don’t miss out on a moment.
When does the Masters snooker start?
Action gets underway on Sunday January 12 with John Higgins against Ronnie O’Sullivan beginning at 1pm. The first round ties run until Wednesday January 15, with the quarter-finals on January 16 and 17. The semi-finals take place on Saturday January 18, with the final beginning at 1pm on Sunday January 19.
What channel is the Masters snooker on?
All the action throughout the tournament will be broadcast live on the BBC, with afternoon sessions between 1pm and 4pm on BBC Two and evening sessions between 7pm and 10pm on BBC Four. It will also be live on Eurosport for the duration of the event.
Can I live stream Masters snooker?
Yes! You can stream coverage via the BBC iPlayer or on Discovery Plus, where plans start from 6.99 a month – sign up HERE.
How does the Masters snooker work?
The Masters brings the world’s top 16 players and uses a simple format. All matches are the best of 11 frames, except for the final which is played over the best of 19 frames and two sessions. There is only one match per session and a maximum of two matches per day.
What is the prize money at the Masters?
Winner: £350,000
Runner-up: £140,000
Semi-finals: £75,000
Quarter-finals: £40,000
Last 16: £25,000
High break: £15,000
Total: £1,015,000
What is the first round draw for the Masters snooker?
Sunday January 12
1pm: Ronnie O’Sullivan (1) v John Higgins (15)
7pm: Shaun Murphy (8) v Gary Wilson (11)
Monday January 13
1pm: Mark Williams (6) v Ding Junhui (9)
7pm: Mark Selby (4) v Ali Carter (12)
Tuesday January 14
1pm: Judd Trump (3) v Barry Hawkins (13)
7pm: Mark Allen (5) v Si Jiahui (14)
Wednesday January 15
Kyren Wilson (2) v Zhang Anda (10)
Luca Brecel (7) v Chris Wakelin (16)