The opening day of action at The Masters was absorbing as ever in this tournament and we’re expecting no different in the two matches on Monday. The first of those sees the former winner John Higgins in action. He takes on Mark Allen in the afternoon match.
The winner of this one will face the winner of the match between Judd Trump and Marco Fu in the quarter final on Thursday night.
John Higgins
Higgins’ record in this tournament isn’t as good as his ones in other big events but he isn’t the only one to have struggled in this in the past. He has still won this title twice and in the last five years he has only gone out in the first round once so he will be confident on that basis.
The other reason why the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ will be confident is the insane form he is in at the minute. He won back to back titles beginning in China a couple of months ago when he landed the China Championship which he followed up a week later when he won the Champion of Champions. He made the final of the Scottish Open too so he’s in good touch.
Mark Allen
Mark Allen will be looking to beat his previous best in the tournament of a run to the semi-final. Although he has never made the final he has only been knocked out in the first round twice in eight meetings which suggests he likes it here but often runs into someone good in the quarter final or semi-final.
It hasn’t been the season Allen would have wanted so far. Aside from making the semi-finals of the China Championship and the Champion of Champions it has been a quiet campaign but he is good enough to launch a spell of form at any time. He has a previous win over John Higgins in this venue which will provide good memories.
Head to Head
The two men have met on 14 occasions if you don’t include their Championship League matches. They are level at 7-7 but Higgins has won both their meetings this season in the China Championship and the UK Championship. Allen won 6-4 in this round of this tournament two years ago.
Betting
If both play to their best then this one should be a cracking encounter but it is hard to go against John Higgins right now. He is in exceptional form at the present time and although Marco Fu beat him in the Scottish final he had to be at his very best to do so.
Mark Allen can turn the tap on form wise at any point but even if he plays well you would fancy Higgins to come through this one given how well he is playing. I fancy Higgins will win this and have a bit in hand like he had at the UK Championship last month.
Tips
Back J.Higgins (-1.5 frames) to beat M.Allen for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Winner Sports
Back him here:
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