The Masters snooker 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Action on NOW as Robertson vs Higgins kicks off iconic tournament – updates
THE Masters returns TODAY - and there are some huge names in action on opening day.
Reigning champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was due to begin his title defence against fellow Class of 92 member John Higgins this afternoon, but on Friday, Rocket withdrew from the competition on medical grounds.
English Open winner Neil Robertson replaces O'Sullivan in the 16-player field and will take on The Wizard of Wishaw instead.
World No1 Judd Trump is on course to win a Triple Crown Grand Slam after he won the UK Championship in December.
Should Trump win the Masters and then the World Championship, he will achieve the extremely rare feat.
The Ace begins his Masters campaign on Tuesday as he faces fellow Englishman Barry Hawkins.
- Start time: From 1pm GMT
- TV channel: BBC Two & Four/Eurosport
- Live stream: BBC iPlayer/discovery+
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Latest score – Higgins 3-1 Robertson
Not much Robertson can do about that.
Another fine break from Higgins - this time 59 - and he is now in control of this match.
Plenty of work to do for the Aussie as he heads into the dressing rooms for the interval.
Latest score – Higgins 2-1 Robertson
Much more like it from The Wizard of Wishaw.
A vintage Higgins break, as he records 78 to sweep his way into the lead.
Latest score - Higgins 1-1 Robertson
It's hardly vintage stuff from John Higgins, but its got the job done.
A scrappy break of 67 and he's levelled this match up.
Credit: Getty
Frame 2 - Higgins 0-1 Robertson
A few jitters on show from both players early on - it's definitely cagey.
For the first time in the match, Higgins has a real chance to build a break. He leads 26-3 with the reds nicely spread...
Latest score - Higgins 0-1 Robertson
Majestic stuff from Robertson.
Higgins let him back in it after missing that tough red, with the Aussie clearing up to take the first frame 66-46.
Frame 1 – Higgins 0-0 Robertson
It's a proper marathon in the opener.
Higgins looks to be set fair, but misses a routine red at 31-1 to allow Robertson back onto the table.
Credit: Getty Frame 1 – Higgins 0-0 Robertson
If this is a sign of things to come, we're in for a tactical treat.
Both players exchanging brilliant safety shots, with the reds nicely spread and waiting for a long pot to break the frame open.
Frame 1 - Higgins 0-0 Robertson
The Thunder from Down Under gets the tournament going in the capital.
A packed house in at the Masters, where the crowd is always involved.
First to six frames books a place in the next round.
Build-up - Higgins vs Robertson
A packed house at the Palace, two-time champ Robertson is being priced up as the slight favourite in this one.
He tells the BBC: "I feel sharp.
"I haven't been thinking about the Masters the past couple of weeks.
"Me and John generally go all the way in our matches. It will be a fantastic occasion."
Credit: Getty
Next up - Higgins vs Robertson
Here we go then, live action from Alexandra Palace.
This year's Masters gets underway, with Neil Robertson and John Higgins going head-to-head.
Best of 11 frames, settle in.
Credit: Getty Robbo speaks
Neil Robertson aims to make the most of his Masters "free hit" after The Rocket dropped out.
The Australian hopes Ronnie O'Sullivan, who has been struggling with his game, gets better and returns soon to the baize.
Robertson, the 2012 and 2022 Masters champion, told SunSport: “I guess it’s a free hit. I haven’t had to worry about the build-up to the tournament.
"It’s pretty short notice but in some ways that can be a good thing. It’s about enjoying the experience.
"It’s a shame from the tournament point of view that Ronnie isn’t there. Whenever Ronnie isn’t involved, it’s a shame.
"Ronnie always has so much expectation in every event he plays in. There’s always more people and media when he’s playing."
Credit: Getty No Ronnie
Sadly there will be no Ronnie O'Sullivan at Alexandra Palace this week.
The defending champ has pulled out of the competition on medical grounds.
Let's hope The Rocket is back and firing at his best soon.
Neil Robertson is his replacement and gets us going against John Higgins at 1pm.
Credit: PA Master Banker
This year's Masters prize pool has been increased by a whopping £290,000!
The player who goes home with the Paul Hunter trophy will also receive a huge cheque for £350,000 - the single biggest prize the tournament has ever paid out.
Here is a full breakdown of the pot:
- 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
Masters draw
All matches are best of 11 frames until the final, which is the best of 19.
Sunday, January 12
Afternoon session (1pm GMT)- Neil Robertson vs John Higgins (R1)
Evening session (7pm)
- Shaun Murphy vs Gary Wilson (R1)
Monday, January 13
Afternoon session (1pm)- Mark Williams vs Ding Junhui (R1)
Evening session (7pm)
- Mark Selby vs Ali Carter (R1)
Tuesday, January 14
Afternoon session (1pm)- Judd Trump vs Barry Hawkins (R1)
Evening session (7pm)
- Mark Allen vs Si Jiahui (R1)
Wednesday, January 15
Afternoon session (1pm)- Kyren Wilson vs Zhang Anda (R1)
Evening session (7pm GMT)
- Luca Brecel vs Chris Wakelin (R1)
Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of the Masters!
The 51st Masters begins TODAY - and some huge names are set to feature.
On Friday, defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the event on medical grounds, meaning Rocket won’t claim a record-extending ninth title at Alexandra Palace.
English Open champion Neil Robertson replaces O’Sullivan in the 16-player field and will take on John Higgins in the tournament opener.
The Masters is the second Triple Crown event of the year after the UK Championship, which was won by World No1 Judd Trump.
Should Trump also win the Masters, he will need just the World Championship title to claim a rare Triple Crown Grand Slam.
