It may not quite have the raucous adrenalin-fuelled backdrop of the World Darts Championship that recently ended, but Alexandra Palace is quickly back in the spotlight as snooker’s top talents ascend Muswell Hill and we have Masters Snooker Tips for punters ahead of next week’s start.
Sandwiched in between the UK Championship and the World Championship, this 16-man invitation-only event is the third of snooker’s Triple Crown event and carries a wonderful history.
Masters Snooker Tips 2025: Alexandra Palace Fireworks
Ronnie O’Sullivan won a record-extending eighth title in 2024, defeating Ali Carter in the final, but he has withdrawn this time around and has been replaced by Neil Robertson. Here’s our preview and best bets for the 2025 Masters Snooker in London.
Masters Snooker Tips: The Hawk Can Soar
Few players on snooker’s circuit would be more deserving of a maiden Triple Crown title than Barry Hawkins. The 45-year-old from Kent has four ranking titles on his CV and has been denied in the final of all three Triple Crown events following November’s 10-8 loss to Judd Trump in the UK decider in York. He won six matches to reach that final, defeating O’Sullivan, David Gilbert, Shaun Murphy and Mark Allen at the Barbican before Trump got his measure despite a spirited fightback in the final.
Hawkins’ effort in that final can be upgraded, given he was in action well beyond midnight the night before defeating Allen in a marathon semi-final. He was knocked out by the Rocket in the last eight here last season and made the decider in 2022. He opens against Trump but, if he can win that, his confidence will be sky-high. There are no easy games in the Masters, with only the world’s top 16 present, so it has to be encouraging that Hawkins has won his opener four times in his last five attempts. Taking out the tournament favourite would be a brilliant start and could set Hawkins up for a strong showing.
Masters Snooker Tips: Wizard of Wishaw to Shine
John Higgins now faces Robertson in a mouthwatering opening-round tussle after O’Sullivan pulled out. Robertson had initially missed out on a place in The Masters, but has been handed a late call and the 2012 and 2022 champion certainly has pedigree in the tournament. The Australian left-hander also reached the final in 2013 and 2015, but has largely struggled since his second Masters success, although he did win the English Open earlier this season.
Higgins suffered deciding frame defeats to Trump at the UK and Hawkins in the Scottish Open before Christmas, but he signed off 2024 winning a World Open qualifier. He has suffered successive first-round defeats at Ally Pally in recent times but a clash with Robertson might be just what he needs, especially with the Aussie in questionable form.
If Higgins can win that, he’s in the top half of the draw where the likes of Allen and Mark Selby have to prove they can bring their best stuff to London. Even if they do, Higgins’ willingness to dig deep will make it hard for any opponent.
Masters Snooker Tips: Wilson to Waltz Through
In quarter four, world champion Kyren Wilson can come through to make the semi-finals and the Kettering potters faces Zhang Anda in his opener. The Chinese leads their head-to-head, but they have only met twice – in minor events – since the 2015 German Masters and Wilson is a different proposition these days.
If he overcomes Anda, out-of-sorts former world champ Luca Brecel or Chris Wakelin stand between him and the last four. Wilson looks to be the strongest prospect in any of the four quarters for win purposes to make the semis.
Masters Snooker Tips 2025
Barry Hawkins to win @ 22.40 with kwiff
John Higgins to reach the final @ 7.00 with kwiff
Kyren Wilson to win the fourth quarter @ 1.80 with kwiff
Please note that the information provided in this Masters Snooker Tips article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
