Mark Selby 10-7 Ronnie O'Sullivan
Mark Selby beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 in a thrilling final to win the UK Championship for the second time.
In a sensational evening session Selby hit three centuries in the final six frames, with O'Sullivan hitting two of his own, to clinch victory in York.
Five-time winner O'Sullivan fought back from 7-2 down to trail 8-7.
But Selby, 33, rose to the challenge to become only the sixth player to secure the World Championship and UK titles in the same calendar year.
Selby joins the greats
Selby has now ended O'Sullivan's five-title winning streaks in both the World and UK tournaments, collecting the £170,000 winner's prize money.
He joins an illustrious list of players in O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, John Higgins and John Parrott to hold both titles in the same year.
The match looked to have been won in the first session as Selby, renowned for his resolute style of play, won 33 and 48 minute frames.
He compiled 489 points to O'Sullivan's 50, taking six frames in a row.
Early errors cost O'Sullivan
O'Sullivan missed the chance to not only equal Steve Davis's UK haul of six, but also move second in the all-time ranking winner's list behind Hendry.
It was his third defeat in the final of a major event this season, following losses against Judd Trump at the European Masters and John Higgins at the Champion of Champions.
Despite a blistering opening frame and further tons in the second session - taking his total of career centuries past 850 - he made uncharacteristic errors in the opening session which ultimately cost him the match.
Sunday 4 December 2016
Monday 2 May 2016
World Snooker Championship Final 2016 1st & 2nd May
Match Score Mark Selby 18-14 Ding Junhui
Session 1 (6-2 Selby)
World number one Mark Selby punished China's Ding Junhui by opening up a 6-2 lead in the World Championship final.
Selby, the 2014 winner, has not played his best in the tournament, but was commanding early on and went 6-0 ahead including breaks of 120, 91 and 76.
Qualifier Ding, appearing in his first final, failed to showcase his high-scoring ability, but managed to claim the last two frames to stay in touch.
The best-of-35 final resumes at 19:00 BST, with two more sessions on Monday.
Selby, 32, looked fresh despite a late semi-final finish against Marco Fu on Saturday, and took advantage of a nervous Ding.
The Leicester man took the first frame with a 91 break, and despite needing a snooker in the next, managed to get it to clear the colours.
A missed red along the cushion proved costly for former world number one Ding, as Selby's 76 and a century gave him the first four frames.
Selby made 70 as he took the next two, but 29-year-old Ding, who made a record seven centuries in his semi-final, finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh, and then won the eighth to boost his hopes of becoming the first Asian player to win the title.
Session 2 (5-4 Ding, Selby 10-7 Ding)
World number one Mark Selby held off Ding Junhui's fightback to lead 10-7 after a marathon first day of the best-of-35 World Championship final.
The Englishman took advantage of a nervous Ding to open up a 6-0 lead, before Ding pulled two back.
China's Ding had breaks of 103, 89 and 86 in the second session, as well as taking a 66-minute 15th frame.
But Selby, the 2014 champion, won the last two as play ended at 00:24 BST after a tactical 49-minute final frame.
The final resumes at 14:00 BST on Monday, with the last session due to start at 19:00.
Demolition session
Leicester's Selby, competing in his third final, looked fresh despite a late semi-final finish against Marco Fu on Saturday, and took advantage of Ding's edginess early on.
Having not shown his best snooker in the tournament, the 32-year-old signalled his intention with breaks of 91, 76, 70 and 120 to surge ahead.
However, his opponent - playing in his first Crucible final - won the seventh and eighth frames to stay in touch.
Ding's reprieve
Ireland's Ken Doherty, Australia's Neil Robertson and Canada's Cliff Thorburn are the only players from outside Britain to have won the World Championship.
Ding, 29, had to come through three qualifying matches to qualify for the main draw after slipping to 17th in the world rankings.
He is bidding to become only the third qualifier after Terry Griffiths in 1979 and Shaun Murphy in 2005 to lift the trophy, and the first Asian world champion.
Selby looked like he might run away with the final when he won the first frame of the second session, but he suffered an unfortunate miscue when in amongst the reds in the next.
That gave Ding a reprieve as he jumped out of his seat to make a counter-attacking 76 break.
He followed it up with a century, his 13th of the tournament, and a cool 89 under pressure to reduce the deficit to 7-5.
Ding grabbed two of the next three, including the marathon 15th frame to go 8-7 behind, but it seemed to take a lot out of him.
Selby, who was clearly struggling with tiredness, pinched the final two frames of the session, punching the table and raising his cue in delight on his way to finally bringing the session to a conclusion.
Session 3 (4-4, Selby 14-11 Ding)
World number one Mark Selby showed his resolve to remain in control against China's Ding Junhui and lead 14-11 in the World Championship final.
Selby, the 2014 champion, led 10-7 overnight but Ding took a 50-minute frame and made a century break as he cut the advantage to 11-10.
However, Selby won three of the next four to stay ahead.
The pair play to a conclusion in the best-of-35 match from 19:00 BST as they look to win the £330,000 top prize.
Selby keeps his nose in front
Qualifier Ding, looking to become the first Asian world champion, made a break of 89 in the first frame of the second day and then pinched a 50-minute frame on the black to close to 10-9.
The pair traded centuries which meant every time Ding got to within one frame, his opponent pulled away again.
Selby made 52 and 68 to guarantee a lead going into the final session.
Ding got one back again but Selby's 55 in the last of the session left him just four away from victory.
Analysis
Six-time world champion Steve Davis: "Mark Selby is an animal on the table, he took that last frame by the scruff of the neck.
"He can grind frames out but he can also attack them. How do you approach the final session? It's like another day in the office apart from the fact it's the most important session of your career. Ding knows he's up against a rock of a player."
Session 4 (4-3 Selby, Selby 18-14 Ding)
England's world number one Mark Selby beat China's Ding Junhui 18-14 to win his second World Championship title.
Selby, the 2014 champion from Leicester, led 10-7 overnight and went into the interval leading 14-11 after Monday's first session at the Crucible.
Ding, who was bidding to become the first Asian player to win the world title, won three frames in a row but Selby dug deep to secure his triumph.
Selby, 32, secures a £330,000 top prize and maintains his number one ranking.
Session 1 (6-2 Selby)
World number one Mark Selby punished China's Ding Junhui by opening up a 6-2 lead in the World Championship final.
Selby, the 2014 winner, has not played his best in the tournament, but was commanding early on and went 6-0 ahead including breaks of 120, 91 and 76.
Qualifier Ding, appearing in his first final, failed to showcase his high-scoring ability, but managed to claim the last two frames to stay in touch.
The best-of-35 final resumes at 19:00 BST, with two more sessions on Monday.
Selby, 32, looked fresh despite a late semi-final finish against Marco Fu on Saturday, and took advantage of a nervous Ding.
The Leicester man took the first frame with a 91 break, and despite needing a snooker in the next, managed to get it to clear the colours.
A missed red along the cushion proved costly for former world number one Ding, as Selby's 76 and a century gave him the first four frames.
Selby made 70 as he took the next two, but 29-year-old Ding, who made a record seven centuries in his semi-final, finally got on the scoreboard in the seventh, and then won the eighth to boost his hopes of becoming the first Asian player to win the title.
Session 2 (5-4 Ding, Selby 10-7 Ding)
World number one Mark Selby held off Ding Junhui's fightback to lead 10-7 after a marathon first day of the best-of-35 World Championship final.
The Englishman took advantage of a nervous Ding to open up a 6-0 lead, before Ding pulled two back.
China's Ding had breaks of 103, 89 and 86 in the second session, as well as taking a 66-minute 15th frame.
But Selby, the 2014 champion, won the last two as play ended at 00:24 BST after a tactical 49-minute final frame.
The final resumes at 14:00 BST on Monday, with the last session due to start at 19:00.
Demolition session
Leicester's Selby, competing in his third final, looked fresh despite a late semi-final finish against Marco Fu on Saturday, and took advantage of Ding's edginess early on.
Having not shown his best snooker in the tournament, the 32-year-old signalled his intention with breaks of 91, 76, 70 and 120 to surge ahead.
However, his opponent - playing in his first Crucible final - won the seventh and eighth frames to stay in touch.
Ding's reprieve
Ireland's Ken Doherty, Australia's Neil Robertson and Canada's Cliff Thorburn are the only players from outside Britain to have won the World Championship.
Ding, 29, had to come through three qualifying matches to qualify for the main draw after slipping to 17th in the world rankings.
He is bidding to become only the third qualifier after Terry Griffiths in 1979 and Shaun Murphy in 2005 to lift the trophy, and the first Asian world champion.
Selby looked like he might run away with the final when he won the first frame of the second session, but he suffered an unfortunate miscue when in amongst the reds in the next.
That gave Ding a reprieve as he jumped out of his seat to make a counter-attacking 76 break.
He followed it up with a century, his 13th of the tournament, and a cool 89 under pressure to reduce the deficit to 7-5.
Ding grabbed two of the next three, including the marathon 15th frame to go 8-7 behind, but it seemed to take a lot out of him.
Selby, who was clearly struggling with tiredness, pinched the final two frames of the session, punching the table and raising his cue in delight on his way to finally bringing the session to a conclusion.
Session 3 (4-4, Selby 14-11 Ding)
World number one Mark Selby showed his resolve to remain in control against China's Ding Junhui and lead 14-11 in the World Championship final.
Selby, the 2014 champion, led 10-7 overnight but Ding took a 50-minute frame and made a century break as he cut the advantage to 11-10.
However, Selby won three of the next four to stay ahead.
The pair play to a conclusion in the best-of-35 match from 19:00 BST as they look to win the £330,000 top prize.
Selby keeps his nose in front
Qualifier Ding, looking to become the first Asian world champion, made a break of 89 in the first frame of the second day and then pinched a 50-minute frame on the black to close to 10-9.
The pair traded centuries which meant every time Ding got to within one frame, his opponent pulled away again.
Selby made 52 and 68 to guarantee a lead going into the final session.
Ding got one back again but Selby's 55 in the last of the session left him just four away from victory.
Analysis
Six-time world champion Steve Davis: "Mark Selby is an animal on the table, he took that last frame by the scruff of the neck.
"He can grind frames out but he can also attack them. How do you approach the final session? It's like another day in the office apart from the fact it's the most important session of your career. Ding knows he's up against a rock of a player."
Session 4 (4-3 Selby, Selby 18-14 Ding)
England's world number one Mark Selby beat China's Ding Junhui 18-14 to win his second World Championship title.
Selby, the 2014 champion from Leicester, led 10-7 overnight and went into the interval leading 14-11 after Monday's first session at the Crucible.
Ding, who was bidding to become the first Asian player to win the world title, won three frames in a row but Selby dug deep to secure his triumph.
Selby, 32, secures a £330,000 top prize and maintains his number one ranking.
Saturday 30 April 2016
World Snooker Championship Semi Finals 28th April to 30th April
Semi Final 1
Ding Junhui 17-11 Alan McManus
Session 1 6-2 Ding
Session 2 3-5 McManus
Session 3 5-3 Ding
Session 4 3-1 Ding
China's Ding Junhui became the first Asian to reach the World Championship final with a 17-11 victory over Scotland's Alan McManus.
The qualifier also broke the record for the most centuries in a Crucible match.
He took three of the four frames, including a 123, to claim his seventh ton and beat the record held by Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry.
Semi Final 2
Mark Selby 17-15 Marco Fu
Session 1 5-3 Selby
Session 2 3-5 Fu
Session 3 4-4
Session 4 5-3 Selby
Mark Selby will play China's Ding Junhui in the World Championship final after overcoming Marco Fu 17-15 to win a tense semi-final.
He will play Ding Junhui after he overcome Alan McManus.
Ding Junhui 17-11 Alan McManus
Session 1 6-2 Ding
Session 2 3-5 McManus
Session 3 5-3 Ding
Session 4 3-1 Ding
China's Ding Junhui became the first Asian to reach the World Championship final with a 17-11 victory over Scotland's Alan McManus.
The qualifier also broke the record for the most centuries in a Crucible match.
He took three of the four frames, including a 123, to claim his seventh ton and beat the record held by Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry.
Semi Final 2
Mark Selby 17-15 Marco Fu
Session 1 5-3 Selby
Session 2 3-5 Fu
Session 3 4-4
Session 4 5-3 Selby
Mark Selby will play China's Ding Junhui in the World Championship final after overcoming Marco Fu 17-15 to win a tense semi-final.
He will play Ding Junhui after he overcome Alan McManus.
Wednesday 27 April 2016
World Snooker Championship Quarter Finals (Day 11 + Day 12)
(All matches best of 25 frames - first to 13 makes the semis)
Session 1
Alan McManus 3-5 John Higgins
Mark Williams 2-6 Ding Junhui
Marco Fu 7-1 Barry Hawkins
Mark Selby 6-2 Kyren Wilson
Session 2
Alan McManus 2-4 John Higgins (Match Score: 7-9)
Mark Williams 1-7 Ding Junhui (Match Score: 3-13)
Marco Fu 3-5 Barry Hawkins (Match Score: 10-6)
Mark Selby 4-4 Kyren Wilson (Match Score: 10-6)
Session 3
Alan McManus 6-2 John Higgins (Match Score: 13-11)
Marco Fu 3-5 Barry Hawkins (Match Score: 13-11)
Mark Selby 3-2 Kyren Wilson (Match Score: 13-8)
Session 1
Alan McManus 3-5 John Higgins
Mark Williams 2-6 Ding Junhui
Marco Fu 7-1 Barry Hawkins
Mark Selby 6-2 Kyren Wilson
Session 2
Alan McManus 2-4 John Higgins (Match Score: 7-9)
Mark Williams 1-7 Ding Junhui (Match Score: 3-13)
Marco Fu 3-5 Barry Hawkins (Match Score: 10-6)
Mark Selby 4-4 Kyren Wilson (Match Score: 10-6)
Session 3
Alan McManus 6-2 John Higgins (Match Score: 13-11)
Marco Fu 3-5 Barry Hawkins (Match Score: 13-11)
Mark Selby 3-2 Kyren Wilson (Match Score: 13-8)
Monday 25 April 2016
World Snooker Championship Day 10
13:00 BST
RESULT Trump 10-13 Ding
RESULT Allen 9-13 Wilson
19:00 BST
RESULT Higgins 13-8 Walden
RESULT O'Sullivan 12-13 Hawkins
RESULT Trump 10-13 Ding
RESULT Allen 9-13 Wilson
19:00 BST
RESULT Higgins 13-8 Walden
RESULT O'Sullivan 12-13 Hawkins
Sunday 24 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 9
10:00 BST
Judd Trump 2-6 Ding Junhui (1st session)
Mark Allen 1-7 Kyren Wilson (1st session)
14:30 BST
Ricky Walden 6-10 John Higgins (concludes 19:00 Monday)
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-9 Barry Hawkins (concludes 19:00 Monday)
19:00 BST
Judd Trump 6-10 Ding Junhui (concludes 13:00 Monday)
Mark Allen 5-11 Kyren Wilson (concludes 13:00 Monday)
Judd Trump 2-6 Ding Junhui (1st session)
Mark Allen 1-7 Kyren Wilson (1st session)
14:30 BST
Ricky Walden 6-10 John Higgins (concludes 19:00 Monday)
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-9 Barry Hawkins (concludes 19:00 Monday)
19:00 BST
Judd Trump 6-10 Ding Junhui (concludes 13:00 Monday)
Mark Allen 5-11 Kyren Wilson (concludes 13:00 Monday)
Saturday 23 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 8
10:00 BST
RESULT Ali Carter 11-13 Alan McManus
Sam Baird 7-9 Mark Selby
14:30 BST
RESULT Mark Williams 13-8 Michael Holt
Barry Hawkins 3-5 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Session 1)
19:00 BST
Ricky Walden 3-5 John Higgins (Session 1)
RESULT Sam Baird 11-13 Mark Selby
RESULT Ali Carter 11-13 Alan McManus
Sam Baird 7-9 Mark Selby
14:30 BST
RESULT Mark Williams 13-8 Michael Holt
Barry Hawkins 3-5 Ronnie O'Sullivan (Session 1)
19:00 BST
Ricky Walden 3-5 John Higgins (Session 1)
RESULT Sam Baird 11-13 Mark Selby
Friday 22 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 7
Second Round (best of 25 frames)
10:00 BST
Mark Williams 4-4 Michael Holt (Session 1)
10:00 BST
Mark Williams 4-4 Michael Holt (Session 1)
Anthony McGill 7-9 Marco Fu (Session 1, 3-5, Session 2 4-4)
14:30 BST
Ali Carter 9-7 Alan McManus (Session 2)
Sam Baird 4-4 Mark Selby (Session 1)
19:00 BST
Mark Williams 10-6 Michael Holt (Session 2, 6-2)
RESULT Anthony McGill 9-13 Marco Fu (Session 3, 4-2)
14:30 BST
Ali Carter 9-7 Alan McManus (Session 2)
Sam Baird 4-4 Mark Selby (Session 1)
19:00 BST
Mark Williams 10-6 Michael Holt (Session 2, 6-2)
RESULT Anthony McGill 9-13 Marco Fu (Session 3, 4-2)
Thursday 21 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 6
13:00 BST
First Round
RESULT Judd Trump 10-8 Liang Wenbo
Second Round (best of 25 frames over 3 sessions)
Marco Fu 5-3 Anthony McGill (2nd session 10:00 Friday, 3rd session 19:00 Friday)
19:00 BST
First Round
RESULT Joe Perry 9-10 Kyren Wilson
Second Round (best of 25 frames)
Ali Carter 5-3 Alan McManus (2nd session Friday & 3rd session Saturday)
First Round
RESULT Judd Trump 10-8 Liang Wenbo
Second Round (best of 25 frames over 3 sessions)
Marco Fu 5-3 Anthony McGill (2nd session 10:00 Friday, 3rd session 19:00 Friday)
19:00 BST
First Round
RESULT Joe Perry 9-10 Kyren Wilson
Second Round (best of 25 frames)
Ali Carter 5-3 Alan McManus (2nd session Friday & 3rd session Saturday)
Wednesday 20 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 5
10:00 BST
Martin Gould 4-5 Ding Junhui (concludes 19:00)
RESULT Mark Allen 10-3 Mitchell Mann
14:30 BST
Judd Trump 3-6 Liang Wenbo (concludes 13:00 tomorrow)
RESULT Barry Hawkins 10-5 Zhang Anda
19:00 BST
RESULT Martin Gould 8-10 Ding Junhui
Joe Perry 4-5 Kyren Wilson (concludes 19:00 tomorrow)
Martin Gould 4-5 Ding Junhui (concludes 19:00)
RESULT Mark Allen 10-3 Mitchell Mann
14:30 BST
Judd Trump 3-6 Liang Wenbo (concludes 13:00 tomorrow)
RESULT Barry Hawkins 10-5 Zhang Anda
19:00 BST
RESULT Martin Gould 8-10 Ding Junhui
Joe Perry 4-5 Kyren Wilson (concludes 19:00 tomorrow)
Tuesday 19 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 4
10:00 BST
Neil Robertson 2-7 Michael Holt (concludes 19:00)
RESULT Mark Selby 10-6 Robert Milkins
14:30 BST
RESULT John Higgins 10-3 Ryan Day
Mark Allen 6-3 Mitchell Mann (concludes 10:00 Wednesday)
19:00 BST
RESULT Neil Robertson 6-10 Michael Holt
Barry Hawkins 6-3 Zhang Anda (concludes 14:30 Wednesday)
Neil Robertson 2-7 Michael Holt (concludes 19:00)
RESULT Mark Selby 10-6 Robert Milkins
14:30 BST
RESULT John Higgins 10-3 Ryan Day
Mark Allen 6-3 Mitchell Mann (concludes 10:00 Wednesday)
19:00 BST
RESULT Neil Robertson 6-10 Michael Holt
Barry Hawkins 6-3 Zhang Anda (concludes 14:30 Wednesday)
Monday 18 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 3
10:00 BST
John Higgins 7-2 Ryan Day (concludes 14:30 Tuesday)
RESULT Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 David Gilbert
14:30 BST
RESULT Mark Williams 10-4 Graeme Dott
Mark Selby 7-2 Robert Milkins (concludes 10:00 Tuesday)
19:00 BST
RESULT Ricky Walden 10-8 Robbie Williams
RESULT Michael White 7-10 Sam Baird
John Higgins 7-2 Ryan Day (concludes 14:30 Tuesday)
RESULT Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 David Gilbert
14:30 BST
RESULT Mark Williams 10-4 Graeme Dott
Mark Selby 7-2 Robert Milkins (concludes 10:00 Tuesday)
19:00 BST
RESULT Ricky Walden 10-8 Robbie Williams
RESULT Michael White 7-10 Sam Baird
Sunday 17 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 2
(concludes 19:00 Monday): Ricky Walden 4-5 Robbie Williams
RESULT Shaun Murphy 8-10 Anthony McGill
RESULT Stephen Maguire 7-10 Alan McManus
(concludes 10:00 Monday) Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-3 David Gilbert
(Concludes 14:30 Monday) Mark Wiliams 7-2 Graeme Dott
(Concludes 19:00 Monday) Michael White 4-5 Sam Baird
RESULT Shaun Murphy 8-10 Anthony McGill
RESULT Stephen Maguire 7-10 Alan McManus
(concludes 10:00 Monday) Ronnie O'Sullivan 6-3 David Gilbert
(Concludes 14:30 Monday) Mark Wiliams 7-2 Graeme Dott
(Concludes 19:00 Monday) Michael White 4-5 Sam Baird
Steve Davis retires
Snooker great Steve Davis has announced his retirement at the age of 58.
Davis began his career in 1978 and dominated the sport in the 1980s, winning six world titles and was world number one from 1983 to 1990.
He won 28 ranking titles, putting him joint second on the all-time list with Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins.
His last match came on 10 April where he lost against Fergal O'Brien and failed to qualify for this year's World Championship.
Davis told BBC Sport: "The Fergal O'Brien match was my last and I told [World Snooker chairman] Barry Hearn it was time to call it a day. My father passed away recently and it was natural time to stop playing.
"I should have done it ages ago, I played a bit for my father. I am delighted to have such a great time in the game, I was lucky to have a hobby as my profession.
"It has been a fantastic. The game will move on to other places but I feel like the grandfather of the sport."
Davis began his career in 1978 and dominated the sport in the 1980s, winning six world titles and was world number one from 1983 to 1990.
He won 28 ranking titles, putting him joint second on the all-time list with Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins.
His last match came on 10 April where he lost against Fergal O'Brien and failed to qualify for this year's World Championship.
Davis told BBC Sport: "The Fergal O'Brien match was my last and I told [World Snooker chairman] Barry Hearn it was time to call it a day. My father passed away recently and it was natural time to stop playing.
"I should have done it ages ago, I played a bit for my father. I am delighted to have such a great time in the game, I was lucky to have a hobby as my profession.
"It has been a fantastic. The game will move on to other places but I feel like the grandfather of the sport."
Saturday 16 April 2016
World Snooker Championships Day 1
Stephen Maguire 3-6 Alan McManus (continues tomorrow)
Shaun Murphy 5-4 Anthony McGill (continues tomorrow)
RESULT Stuart Bingham 9-10 Ali Carter
RESULT Marco Fu 10-2 Peter Ebdon
Shaun Murphy 5-4 Anthony McGill (continues tomorrow)
RESULT Stuart Bingham 9-10 Ali Carter
RESULT Marco Fu 10-2 Peter Ebdon
Thursday 14 April 2016
World Championships 2016 Draw
First round draw - starts Sat 16th Apr
Mark Allen v Mitchell Mann
Stephen Maguire v Alan McManus
Mark Williams v Graeme Dott
Barry Hawkins v Zhang Anda
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Dave Gilbert
Mark Selby v Robert Milkins
Martin Gould v Ding Junhui
Ricky Walden v Robbie Williams
Shaun Murphy v Anthony McGill
John Higgins v Ryan Day
Stuart Bingham v Ali Carter
Neil Robertson v Michael Holt
Joe Perry v Kyren Wilson
Marco Fu v Peter Ebdon
Michael White v Sam Baird
Judd Trump v Liang Wenbo
Mark Allen v Mitchell Mann
Stephen Maguire v Alan McManus
Mark Williams v Graeme Dott
Barry Hawkins v Zhang Anda
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Dave Gilbert
Mark Selby v Robert Milkins
Martin Gould v Ding Junhui
Ricky Walden v Robbie Williams
Shaun Murphy v Anthony McGill
John Higgins v Ryan Day
Stuart Bingham v Ali Carter
Neil Robertson v Michael Holt
Joe Perry v Kyren Wilson
Marco Fu v Peter Ebdon
Michael White v Sam Baird
Judd Trump v Liang Wenbo
Sunday 17 January 2016
2016 Masters Final
Ronnie O'Sulllivan 7-1 Barry Hawkins
Ronnie O'Sullivan closed in on his record-equalling sixth Masters title by opening up a 7-1 lead over Barry Hawkins in the first session.
World number eight Hawkins, 36, won the first frame, but thereafter O'Sullivan took control.
A break of 136 in the third frame helped the 40-year-old stamp his authority on the final.
And the five-time world champion made three further breaks of 70 or more to move within three frames of victory.
O'Sullivan is looking to draw level with Stephen Hendry on six Masters titles.
The Essex potter was highly critical of his performance in his semi-final win over Stuart Bingham, saying he felt "embarrassed" and "had no touch or feel".
But he was in much more fluent form in the final as Hawkins - who has lost nine times in 10 previous meetings with O'Sullivan - appeared to wilt under the pressure of his first Masters final.
The biggest margin of victory in a best-of-19 Masters final came last year, when Shaun Murphy defeated Neil Robertson 10-2.
Ronnie O'Sullivan closed in on his record-equalling sixth Masters title by opening up a 7-1 lead over Barry Hawkins in the first session.
World number eight Hawkins, 36, won the first frame, but thereafter O'Sullivan took control.
A break of 136 in the third frame helped the 40-year-old stamp his authority on the final.
And the five-time world champion made three further breaks of 70 or more to move within three frames of victory.
O'Sullivan is looking to draw level with Stephen Hendry on six Masters titles.
The Essex potter was highly critical of his performance in his semi-final win over Stuart Bingham, saying he felt "embarrassed" and "had no touch or feel".
But he was in much more fluent form in the final as Hawkins - who has lost nine times in 10 previous meetings with O'Sullivan - appeared to wilt under the pressure of his first Masters final.
The biggest margin of victory in a best-of-19 Masters final came last year, when Shaun Murphy defeated Neil Robertson 10-2.
Saturday 16 January 2016
Friday 15 January 2016
Thursday 14 January 2016
Wednesday 13 January 2016
2016 Masters Day 4
John Higgins 6-4 Liang Wenbo
John Higgins came through a high quality encounter against tournament debutant Liang Wenbo to win his first round match 6-4 at the Masters.
There was never more than a frame between the pair before they went into the climax of the match tied at 4-4.
Higgins, who had made three centuries of 119, 104 and 133, produced a break of 85 to then move into a 5-4 lead.
Liang, 28, missed a green along the cushion in the 10th frame to allow Higgins, 40, to get over the line.
"A lot of players will think it was an easy shot on the green but I knew it was difficult," said Higgins.
"It was great to come through. We all know he is great player. He played great today, stuck in there and potted some unbelievable balls."
The Scot will now play Stuart Bingham on Friday in the quarter-finals.
He added: "If I play like that I have got a chance against anybody."
Neil Robertson 6-0 Marco Fu
John Higgins came through a high quality encounter against tournament debutant Liang Wenbo to win his first round match 6-4 at the Masters.
There was never more than a frame between the pair before they went into the climax of the match tied at 4-4.
Higgins, who had made three centuries of 119, 104 and 133, produced a break of 85 to then move into a 5-4 lead.
Liang, 28, missed a green along the cushion in the 10th frame to allow Higgins, 40, to get over the line.
"A lot of players will think it was an easy shot on the green but I knew it was difficult," said Higgins.
"It was great to come through. We all know he is great player. He played great today, stuck in there and potted some unbelievable balls."
The Scot will now play Stuart Bingham on Friday in the quarter-finals.
He added: "If I play like that I have got a chance against anybody."
Neil Robertson 6-0 Marco Fu
Tuesday 12 January 2016
2016 Masters Day 3
Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-5 Mark Williams
Ronnie O'Sullivan made a winning return in his first major tournament for nine months with a 6-5 victory over Mark Williams in the Masters first round.
Five-time world and Masters champion O'Sullivan took a break from the sport after last April's World Championship.
Trailing 4-2, he won three straight frames before securing his place in the quarter-finals after Williams missed a plant in the decider.
Mark Selby faces Ricky Walden at 19:00 GMT at Alexandra Palace in London.
"I was lucky to get through," O'Sullivan, 40, told BBC Sport. "We both didn't play well.
"When I was 4-2 down, I had nothing to lose and I loosened up a little.
"I didn't feel nervous but it is a nightmare tournament. I only live a few miles away from here. It is mayhem and a circus."
O'Sullivan chose not to play competitive snooker after losing to Stuart Bingham in the 2015 World Championship quarter-finals.
He returned to play in qualifying for the German Masters in December but failed to reach the main stages, winning his first match before suffering a shock defeat against Stuart Carrington.
A miscue in the third frame against two-time world champion Williams seemed to spoil O'Sullivan's rhythm as he struggled in front of a raucous crowd.
However, breaks of 104, 60 and 117 gave him a 5-4 lead, and O'Sullivan sealed victory with a 62 after the Welshman took the match to the final frame.
Mark Selby 6-0 Ricky Walden
Ronnie O'Sullivan made a winning return in his first major tournament for nine months with a 6-5 victory over Mark Williams in the Masters first round.
Five-time world and Masters champion O'Sullivan took a break from the sport after last April's World Championship.
Trailing 4-2, he won three straight frames before securing his place in the quarter-finals after Williams missed a plant in the decider.
Mark Selby faces Ricky Walden at 19:00 GMT at Alexandra Palace in London.
"I was lucky to get through," O'Sullivan, 40, told BBC Sport. "We both didn't play well.
"When I was 4-2 down, I had nothing to lose and I loosened up a little.
"I didn't feel nervous but it is a nightmare tournament. I only live a few miles away from here. It is mayhem and a circus."
O'Sullivan chose not to play competitive snooker after losing to Stuart Bingham in the 2015 World Championship quarter-finals.
He returned to play in qualifying for the German Masters in December but failed to reach the main stages, winning his first match before suffering a shock defeat against Stuart Carrington.
A miscue in the third frame against two-time world champion Williams seemed to spoil O'Sullivan's rhythm as he struggled in front of a raucous crowd.
However, breaks of 104, 60 and 117 gave him a 5-4 lead, and O'Sullivan sealed victory with a 62 after the Welshman took the match to the final frame.
Mark Selby 6-0 Ricky Walden
Monday 11 January 2016
2016 Masters Day 2
Judd Trump 6-4 Stephen Maguire
Judd Trump survived a spirited fightback from Stephen Maguire to reach the second round of the Masters at Alexandra Palace.
The 26-year-old world number five, led 4-1 after twice winning frames on the final black.
But breaks of 92, 74, and 56 got Scotland's Maguire level at 4-4.
Trump edged back ahead in the ninth and a Maguire error in the 10th let the Englishman in to seal a second-round tie with Neil Robertson or Marco Fu.
"I just tried to stay calm," Trump told BBC Two. "I was very nervous at 4-4 because I've not had a good last few tournaments and my confidence was very low.
"For me, it's an amazing win. My game is attacking, but everything in my head was negative. My lack of form has put pressure on because I was used to going out there and expecting to play well.
"I've played every day over Christmas - that's the first time I've ever done that. I think that's what got me through in the end.
"I've always enjoyed myself off the table, but now I'm at an age when I don't enjoy going out as much. Now I can give snooker four or five years of complete dedication and see what happens."
Barry Hawkins 6-3 Joe Perry
Judd Trump survived a spirited fightback from Stephen Maguire to reach the second round of the Masters at Alexandra Palace.
The 26-year-old world number five, led 4-1 after twice winning frames on the final black.
But breaks of 92, 74, and 56 got Scotland's Maguire level at 4-4.
Trump edged back ahead in the ninth and a Maguire error in the 10th let the Englishman in to seal a second-round tie with Neil Robertson or Marco Fu.
"I just tried to stay calm," Trump told BBC Two. "I was very nervous at 4-4 because I've not had a good last few tournaments and my confidence was very low.
"For me, it's an amazing win. My game is attacking, but everything in my head was negative. My lack of form has put pressure on because I was used to going out there and expecting to play well.
"I've played every day over Christmas - that's the first time I've ever done that. I think that's what got me through in the end.
"I've always enjoyed myself off the table, but now I'm at an age when I don't enjoy going out as much. Now I can give snooker four or five years of complete dedication and see what happens."
Barry Hawkins 6-3 Joe Perry
Sunday 10 January 2016
2016 Masters Day 1
Shaun Murphy 4-6 Mark Allen
Defending champion Shaun Murphy forfeited a frame as he was beaten 6-4 by Mark Allen in the first round of the Masters at London's Alexandra Palace.
Northern Ireland's world number 11 Allen knocked in breaks of 137 and 91 to lead 3-2.
Murphy then forfeited the sixth after failing to hit the reds with three successive shots when not snookered.
Allen's 104 took him 5-2 up, and though Murphy pulled two back with runs of 67 and 100 he could not force a decider.
World number four Murphy denied the incident cost him the match, and said he could not see an alternative shot.
"All other options left him a guaranteed chance so I had to man up, take a deep breath and play the right shot. Unfortunately I got it completely wrong," he said.
"It was a cracking game. That match could have been the final of any tournament. Unfortunately for me it was the first round and I'm on my way home."
Stuart Bingham 6-4 Ding Junhui
Defending champion Shaun Murphy forfeited a frame as he was beaten 6-4 by Mark Allen in the first round of the Masters at London's Alexandra Palace.
Northern Ireland's world number 11 Allen knocked in breaks of 137 and 91 to lead 3-2.
Murphy then forfeited the sixth after failing to hit the reds with three successive shots when not snookered.
Allen's 104 took him 5-2 up, and though Murphy pulled two back with runs of 67 and 100 he could not force a decider.
World number four Murphy denied the incident cost him the match, and said he could not see an alternative shot.
"All other options left him a guaranteed chance so I had to man up, take a deep breath and play the right shot. Unfortunately I got it completely wrong," he said.
"It was a cracking game. That match could have been the final of any tournament. Unfortunately for me it was the first round and I'm on my way home."
Stuart Bingham 6-4 Ding Junhui
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