So just 5 days away from the opening match of this year's Masters, like I do every year I'll give my thoughts on the Last 16 matches plus whoI think will win:
Ronnie v Liang: There are no easy matches at his tournament, but let's just say Ron could have had it easier, say Carter
Playing his good friend Wenbo and also being his coach at times, I think Ronnie won't have it easy, he might be a bit rusty but still I expect him to win. 6-4 for Ron here.
Robbo v Carter: Robbo, apart from winning the openng ranking tournament of the season, hasn't played well at all since, and we could even argue he hasn't played well in 2016 full stop. Since winning the CoC and UK his form has taken a massive blip. He's one I expect will have a deep run in Sheffield this year. That aside for now, I fancy Robbo to win this, but Carter always pushes him hard, so I say 6-4 to Robbo here.
Trump v Fu: If Fu hadn't won the Scottish Open, I wouldn't consider this such a tough match for Judd, but he probably got the toughest draw he could have had. I think Fu will get revenge from a few bad losses against him and win this one, 6-5 to Fu.
Higgins v Allen: Higgins 2 years ago at this very same round here played as well as he could have had, almost making 4 tons, but still lost 6-4 to Allen, but since then he's won some important matches against this opponent, incuding their last meeting at the UK Champs. I fancy Allen to win this one though, so I say 6-5 Allen.
Bingo v Perry: Most likeçy the least interesting match here, I say Bingo wins it 6-3 or 6-4.
Ding v Kyren: This one I have a feeling could be match of the round, especially if both players play their A game and score big. Tough one to call, but believe it or not Ding hasn't won a match here since winning this event in 2011!!!!! I say this meeting won't be diferent and Kyren might win it, but this being his debut might also make him feel the pressure. 6-5 Kyren.
Murphy v Hawkins: I think Hawkins will win this one, but like Bingo v Perry I ain't too fussed about it, but I like Hawkins nevertheless, can't say the same for Shaun though lol.. Hawkins 6-4.
Selby v MJW: Selby has been the player of the season thus far and playing like a true WN1 should, and MJW despite having a great h2h record against him, I don't think he'll trouble Selby too much here. 6-3 Selby.