The BBC have announced their line-up of presenters and pundits for the 2025 Masters tournament, with five snooker icons part of their coverage.
The prestigious Triple Crown event celebrates its 50th year and features the top 16 players in the world, although British star Ronnie O’Sullivan won’t be competing for one of the sport’s leading honours this year.
As ever, the event will be hosted from the iconic Alexandra Palace, from January 12-19, as snooker’s finest compete to get their hands on the Paul Hunter Trophy.
And the BBC have introduced a star-studded lineup featuring players past and present for their coverage of the seven-day tournament in north London.
Snooker legends Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, and Dennis Taylor will all be contributing to the BBC‘s coverage with pre-match analysis and expert insights.
Hendry and Davis will be returning to their former haunting ground with eight titles between them, with Hendry winning five and Davis triumphing on three occasions.
The famous five will join BBC’s commentary and presenting team, which includes experienced broadcasters such as Hazel Irvine and Seema Jaswal, with reports from Shabnam Younus-Jewell.
The BBC have also teased featuring a number of ‘top-ranked players’ throughout, although those players have not been named – leaving fans in suspense.
For viewers in the UK, the tournament will be shown entirely on free-to-air television as the BBC pledge to provide ‘unparalleled’ access of the Masters.
“Packed with drama, world-class talent, and five decades of unforgettable moments, this 50th year of the iconic Masters is unmissable, » said Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC‘s director of sport.
« With our lineup of snooker legends providing coverage on TV, iPlayer Radio, BBC Sounds and online, bringing fans together with every moment of the action.”
With just two days to go before the event, eight-time Masters champion O’Sullivan withdrew from the event on ‘medical grounds’ and was replaced by tournament chiefs with Neil Robertson.
The 49-year-old beat Ali Carter 10-7 in the final 12 months ago to lift the trophy for a record eighth time.
But the Rocket won’t have the opportunity to defend his title at Ally Pally, which will surely disappoint fans attending the event.
He was set to meet John Higgins in the first round to kick off the 2025 tournament on Sunday, but Robertson will be taking his place at the table.
While O’Sullivan misses out, world No 2 Kyren Wilson and 2023 champion Judd Trump are scheduled to play in the event, which features only one match at a time at the table.
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