The biggest names in snooker will be fighting it out at Wembley Arena as the Masters gets underway on Sunday.
Snooker's big guns arrive in Wembley for Masters shoot-out
The biggest names in snooker will be fighting it out in the superb surroundings of Wembley Arena as the most prestigious invitational event on the calendar gets underway on Sunday - The Masters.
Mark Selby made his major breakthrough by winning the tournament on his debut 12 months ago, and he is back to defend his title against the best players in the game, all of which are desperate to get their hands on the famous trophy.
The top 16 in the world will be taking part, along with two wild card winners, in a unique event in snooker held in one of the best venues possible to stage a tournament.
All of the game's great names have won the Masters during its 33-year history - including Ray Reardon, Alex Higgins, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, John Higgins, Paul Hunter and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Home sweet home
The old Wembley Conference Centre was one of the most revered venues in the game, and the short trip to Wembley Arena has not affected the atmosphere one bit as crowds still flock to the special event.
"It's great to have Masters Snooker back at Wembley Arena for 2009, continuing the relationship between Wembley and this most prestigious of tournaments," said Wembley Arena manager John Drury.
"Since its move from the Conference Centre to the Arena in 2007, we have seen some great crowds watching thrilling contests and I'm sure that 2009 will be no exception."
Defending champion Selby will face either Mark King or wild card entry Ricky Walden in the first round proper, the 'Jester from Leicester' hopes to continue his good form this season with a repeat of his career highlight last year.
The mercurial O'Sullivan faces Joe Perry - who himself has been in impressive touch, especially in the Premier League, while Ali Carter players Peter Ebdon.
Last year's beaten finalist Stephen Lee has not made the cut this time around, such is the competition for places at the Masters.
Top Trump
Teenager Judd Trump has had a season to remember already after qualifying for all the major tournaments, and beating Ronnie O'Sullivan en route to a semi-final place at the Grand Prix.
The Bristol potter won the wild card qualifying tournament and will play Mark Allen at Wembley for a first round spot against Ryan Day.
As for the other challengers, UK Championship winner and former world champion Shaun Murphy will be hard to beat after his recent run of form - although he faces a tough first round clash with Ding Junhui.
As usual, every match is one of real quality - a point illustrated perfectly with Stephen Hendry playing Neil Robertson in the opening round, along with Stephen Maguire facing fellow Scotsman Graeme Dott.
With some much talent on show, the Masters week will again be one for the snooker purists to revel in.
