Masters / Paul Krishnamurty / 10 January 2012 /

Can the King of Wembley conquer Ally Pally? Will a young upstart Trump the reigning champ? Paul Krishnamurty profiles the players in quarter one...

Ronnie O'Sullivan: [7.2]
Provisional World Ranking: 15
Last five Masters: L16/2/W/L16/W

With nine appearances in the Masters final, winning this title on four occasions, Ronnie was entitled to be labelled the King of Wembley. This year's short move down the road to Alexandra Palace won't inconvenience the Rocket, who seems to benefit from the option of returning home between matches, or his army of boisterous London fans for that matter. What may prove a greater obstacle to landing a fifth title is a brutal draw, that sees O'Sullivan pitched against defending champ Ding Junhui on the opening day. If progressing, man of the moment Judd Trump is the likeliest second round opponent, so Ronnie will need to be on his game, and in the right frame of mind, in every match.

Judd Trump: [7.8]
Provisional World Ranking: 5
Last five Masters: -/-/WC/-/-

Though he did make a wild-card appearance much earlier in his career, this will be snooker's new superstar's first Masters as a fully-fledged member of the game's elite top-16. Having added the UK Championship to the China Open and a pair of PTC titles, not to mention a thrilling run to the World Championship final, there is a powerful argument that Trump should start every tournament as favourite nowadays. A tough draw couldn't stop the Juddernaut in York, and given that he starts as strong favourite for his opening match, Trump rates a solid selection once again from the first quarter.

Ding Junhui: [14.5]
Provisional World Ranking: 8
Last five Masters: W/L16/Q/Q/2

Ding's victory at Wembley 12 months ago marked a turning point, demonstrating a new-found maturity and exorcising the ghosts of an infamous tearful implosion in the 2007 final. He's yet to hit the same heights this season. but has enough class and natural ability to bounce back at any time. Having to face Ronnie O'Sullivan on the opening day, however, will understandably deter many punters.

Stuart Bingham: [65.0]
Provisional World Ranking: 14
Last five Masters: -/-/-/-/WC

Another candidate for 'most improved player', although Bingham does have some Masters previous in the form of a couple of wildcard appearances. The last year has seen former journeyman Bingham rapidly climb the rankings and win his first title in the Australian Goldfields Open, and he thoroughly deserves a place in this line-up on that basis. A first-round match-up with Trump is as tough as they come, though.

Recommended Bet: 5pts Back Judd Trump @ [7.8]

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