The 2024 Masters preview
In the latest guest column from our friends at OLBG, here’s a look ahead to snooker’s Masters, which gets underway this weekend. Trusted by over two million users who contribute tips, opinions and insights, the Online Betting Guide is a vibrant sports betting community.
Since its inaugural event held at the West Centre Hotel in 1975, the Masters has grown in prestige and popularity, becoming the second-longest-running professional snooker tournament, right after the World Snooker Championship.
The 2024 Masters, an invite-only tournament involving the top 16 world-rank snooker players, takes place at Alexandra Palace from 7th to 14th January 2024.
An event hosted by the World Snooker Tour, the 2024 Masters represent the sequel to the UK Championship in the 2023-2024 Triple Crown Series, and a forerunner to the World Championships. This edition brings a total prize pool of £725,000, with the victor standing to gain a staggering £250,000.
Judd Trump, the defending champion, returns to the baize with the weight of his excellent performances in 2023. He claimed his second Masters title last year by defeating Mark Williams in a close-knit 10–8 final. Trump is the 7/2 favourite to retain his title, with the ever popular Ronnie O’Sullivan also well fancied at 4/1.
As the defending champion, Trump carries the No. 1 seed position into this tournament leading an impressive lineup. The participants for this year’s event include the much improved Zhang Anda, making his Masters debut after clinching his maiden ranking title at the 2023 International Championship.
You can watch the Masters on multiple channels. BBC Sport, Eurosport, and Discovery+ will cater to the home audience, in conjunction with varied international broadcasts, making the Masters a truly global snooker event.
The 2024 Masters promises to be an engaging, thrilling encounter as the best of 11 frames play out, leading up to the best of 19 frames in the final.
First Round Draw (Best of eleven frames)
Judd Trump v Kyren Wilson Tuesday 9th January 1pm
Mark Williams v Ali Carter Monday 8th January 7pm
Mark Selby v Robert Milkins Wednesday 10th January 1pm
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ding Junhui Monday 8th January 1pm
Neil Robertson v Barry Hawkins Tuesday 9th January 7pm
Shaun Murphy v Zhang Anda Sunday 7th January 7pm
Luca Brecel v Jack Lisowski Sunday 7th January 1pm
147s at the Masters
The Masters was first played in 1975 when John Spencer beat Ray Reardon in the first-ever Final.
There have been a further forty-seven renewals of The Masters since that first event but on only three occasions has the tournament seen a 147 break:
- Kirk Stevens 1984
- Ding Junhui 2007
- Marco Fu 2015
Before the start of this year’s tournament, the odds of a maximum break occurring is currently priced at 10/3.
Century Breaks at The Masters
The record number of centuries in finals at the Masters played over nineteen frames is five, achieved in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2023
Only twice since 1996 has the Masters final failed to see a century break (2002 and 2014).
This preview was written by Darren Brett, the snooker betting expert at OLBG
To bet on a wide range of markets, visit 32Red Sport today. If you’re looking for a different kind of flutter, check out our 32Red Casino site. There’s plenty of slots and table games to keep you entertained!
