Neil Robertson is second favourite in the Masters snooker 2023 odds and looks a value bet to retain his title at Alexandra Palace.
The Australian ace beat Barrie Hawkins 10-4 in last year’s final after seeing off Jack Lisowski, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams.
Robertson also won three ranking tournaments last season and has been knocking on the door this term, making 4/1 a tempting price.
He has been a semi-finalist at the Northern Ireland, Scottish and English Open events, so another bold showing in London is expected.
Mark Selby came from behind to defeat Robertson 6-4 at last month’s English Open in Brentwood but rates him as the one to beat again here.
“I took virtually every chance from 3-1 down,” commented Selby, who went on to claim that title.
“He is the best player in the world at the moment, the standard he is playing is phenomenal, so to beat him you have to be at the top of your game.”
Robertson, who also lifted the Masters trophy in 2012 and was runner-up in 2013 and 2015, will face Shaun Murphy in the first round.
The 40-year-old Thunder from Down Under is a 3/10 favourite to get past the 2015 champion, with Kyren Wilson or Stuart Bingham up next in the quarter-finals.
Rocket favourite on home turf
As the title holder, Robertson is the top seed, while reigning world champion O’Sullivan gets the number two spot in the other half of the draw and will head many Masters snooker 2023 predictions at 7/2.
The Rocket secured a seventh Crucible triumph last year and has come out on top at this tournament the same number of times.
His maiden success came way back in 1995 and he last took home the trophy in 2017, while 2019 saw him finish as runner-up for the sixth time.
Former Masters finalist Joe Perry, who went down 10-7 to O’Sullivan in the decider six years ago, can’t see past the front two in the Masters snooker 2023 odds.
“You always have to put Ronnie at the top of the pile,” said Londoner Perry. “Ronnie has made it his tournament, it is close to home for him and he’s just made for the one-table set-up.
“But Neil has come close in recent tournaments and will be out to retain his title. I would be surprised if it wasn’t Ronnie or Neil at the end of the week.”
Judd Trump, who stunned O’Sullivan 10-4 in the final four years ago, is next best in the Masters snooker 2023 betting at 9/2.
Selby can be backed at 7/1 to land a fourth Masters title after prevailing in 2008, 2010 and 2013.
The 39-year-old became a tournament winner for the first time in 20 months with a 9-6 victory over Luca Brecel at the English Open.
“I’ve been suffering for a few years silently,” he revealed. “It’s not been easy, probably the biggest challenge of my life, so coming out here and winning a tournament is incredible.”
For those seeking a bit more value with their Masters snooker 2023 betting tips, Mark Allen is a 10/1 chance, Wilson is available at 14/1, while two-time champions John Higgins and Williams are both 16/1.
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