A look ahead to the matches on day two of the Dafabet Masters, with stats, analysis and TV times…
JUDD TRUMP V MARCO FU
(1pm)
24 Age 36
4 Ranking 9
31 Centuries this season 26
4 Masters appearances (inc. 2014) 8
Semi-finals 2012 Best Masters performance Runner-up 2011
Head-to-head
6-1
THE CASE FOR TRUMP
The purveyor of eye-catching snooker, Trump is capable of blowing away opponents in double-quick time. There hasn’t been much of that in evidence this season but you feel it is coming…and the 24 year-old is comfortable on the big stage.
THE CASE FOR FU
The Hong Kong man returns to the Masters having lost in the 2011 final. 2013 was a successful year for Fu, with three ranking finals, including a final in Australia. He blows hot and cold but is deadly when consistent.
QUOTE/UNQUOTE
“I haven’t had a great first half of the season at all, but after a break it almost feels like we are starting again, so I am looking forward to it. No one scares anyone any more, everyone fancies their chances on their day against any opponent” – Trump.
VERDICT
This could be close. Fu is a tough opponent for anyone but Trump is due a good run somewhere and was toughened up last week with four days extensive snooker at the Championship League, where he reached two finals.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE V JOE PERRY
(7pm)
32 Age 39
5 Ranking 15
13 Centuries this season 15
10 Masters appearances (inc. 2014) 6
Semi-finals 3 times Best Masters performance Last 16 3 times
Head-to-head
9-2
THE CASE FOR MAGUIRE
The Scot is a fierce competitor and, while not setting the world alight this season, was a quarter-finalist at last month’s UK Championship. He has appeared in three Masters semi-finals and – if he remains calm – can beat anyone.
THE CASE FOR PERRY
This has not proved a successful tournament for Perry, who is yet to win a match from five previous appearances. However, he comes into the Masters – his first in four years – having just beaten Neil Robertson and Judd Trump to win group 2 of the Championship League and thus full of confidence.
QUOTE/UNQUOTE
"Stephen Maguire is someone I have really struggled against in the past. I don’t have a good record against him - my one notable scalp was the 2008 World Championship quarter final. There are no easy games in the Masters but I go into every game believing I can win” – Joe Perry (Cambridgeshire Times).
VERDICT
Maguire has traditionally had the beating of Perry, who for some reason has struggled badly in this tournament. Unless Perry makes a good start, this is a pattern which could well continue.
TV TIMES
BBC2: 1pm, 11.20pm + 00.10am (GMT)
BBC Red Button: 7pm (GMT)
British Eurosport2: 1pm (GMT)
British Eurosport: 7pm (GMT)
Eurosport 2 International: 2pm (CET)
Eurosport International: 8pm (CET)
Photographs by Monique LImbos.