The 2013 Masters Preview

The most prestigious invitational tournament on the snooker calendar returned on Sunday and we have several more days of pulsating action at Alexandra Palace to look forward to.

The massively popular and non-ranking tournament features 16 of the world's top players who are set to battle it out for more than £500,000 in prize money and the chance to be crowned Masters champion.

Ronnie O'Sullivan won't be there this year, which means a debut spot for Mark Davis, while left-hander Barry Hawkins will also be appearing in the eight-day event for the first time.

However, Judd Trump, Mark Selby, John Higgins and Shaun Murphy are all there, while Neil Robertson heads to Muswell Hill as defending champion.

Defending champion Neil Robertson survived an epic last 16 match with Ding Junhui on Sunday night, with the Aussie winning the final frame after his opponent had stayed with him all the way to 5-5.

The Thunder from Down Under will play Mark Allen in the quarter finals, while there are two attractive ties at Ally Pally today, starting with John Higgins facing Ali Carter this afternoon.

There's an all-Scottish affair to take in this evening meanwhile, when Stephen Maguire faces compatriot Graeme Dott for what is expected be another close encounter.

Brendan O'Neill writes for Livestreamingsport.com an award winning sports site which provides live streaming fans with previews, team news, updates and streaming schedules for a vast array of sports including snooker, football, tennis and more.