The 2022 Masters will kick off this Sunday, and for the first round of the sixteen masters, European sports commentator and 1994 Masters champion Alain McManus gave his vision.
Yan Bingtao vs Mark Williams
"It was a very interesting game. I still don't know what level Yan Bingtao can play in the game. He's made obvious progress in a lot of ways, but I still think Williams will be the winner of this game. Like many young players, Yan Bingtao has a keen sense of the ball and diligent training. However, Williams is the kind of well-rounded big-game player. He has always been at ease in the intense atmosphere and environment. As far as Williams' performance is concerned, the live audience will not cause pressure and distress to him. As the defending champion, Yan Bingtao may be a little stressed. I'm guessing Williams will have a slight lead and his true level will most likely be revealed in the final stages of the game. ”
Neil Robertson vs Anthony McGill
"It's hard to predict. Look at the way these two guys play, it's a very interesting game for McGill. I think he enjoys playing with the top players. McGill faced John Higgins in his 2018 Masters debut and was very strong throughout the game despite losing. I don't think it's an easy win for Neil, but he's one of those people who likes to enjoy the live atmosphere at the Masters. After objective analysis, I feel that Neil is the winner of this game. However, I think this game will be a fierce game. I have a very high opinion of Anthony, and I know Neil too. It's going to be a great game. ”
John Higgins vs Zhao Xintong
"I didn't see John during The Christmas and New Year and I don't know how long he practiced at the table. He's been playing full and intense for the first half of the season and I think he'll take a little more time off. I think this has the potential to lead to an outcome that we didn't expect. Zhao Xintong has been playing in the Champions League and he has performed very well in the group stage. I think Zhao Xintong will make full preparations for the Masters, and whether the pre-match preparation is sufficient or not is the key point of this game. In addition to this, both sides have many issues that need to be resolved urgently. How will the young Zhao Xintong handle the big scene? Will John continue his excellent form? I can't wait to find out. ”
Sean Murphy vs Barry Hawkins
"At the pace of modern society, most of us have limited memories. Although Murphy wasn't in his best form just before Christmas, we have to remember Sean's performance in reaching the final at the World Championships last year. He just loved the big stage, and he always did. Hawkins has always played in the same high-quality way and rhythm. If Murphy can play infinitely close to peak form, then I think he will be bullish on winning. I don't think his sluggish performances and lackluster results this season will last forever, after all, his strength is there. As for whether his good form will come next week, I don't know. Overall, I think Sean is still slightly dominant. ”
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Jack Lisowski
"It's going to be a good game. What I want to see in this game is Jack's continued progress, to see his strong competition, and even to ruthlessly ravage Ronnie at certain stages of the game. He has the ability to do that, but it's very difficult to play against Ronnie at the Masters. Ronnie would put the audience on his side, and this one-sided occasion could affect Jack. Lissovsky's future development is very good, and I know he can do it. However, I still think Ronnie is a favourite to qualify, partly because of his illustrious history of seven titles in the Masters and partly because of his proud form of winning the World Grand Prix before Christmas. ”
Mark Selby vs Stephen Maguire
"The game seemed a bit like anthony McGill's against Neil Robertson, and it seemed to me that Stephen and Mark Selby were a bit of a match. I think Maguire will enjoy this game and if he plays well, he can dominate the game. Stephen usually has a few good performances in a season. For Mark, you know he has the ability to make the game difficult and keep Stephen nervous in hopes of getting some on the phone. If you guess hard, I think Stephen will have the upper hand in this game, but he has to play at the highest level in the game to beat Mark. ”
Judd Trump vs Mark Allen
Judd has won the championship this season, while Allen also won at his home country, the Northern Ireland Open. It feels like it's going to be the best game of the round, and maybe I can see a five- or six-stroke break. I had to support Judd, but Mark could also win the game 6:1. It's going to be a tough game of high scores and offense, and it's going to be a very tough game to win. ”
Karen Wilson vs Stewart Bingham
"Stewart has performed well at the World Grand Prix and seems to be in good shape lately. Last year's Masters was held behind closed doors, and in 2020 Bingham won the Masters, and psychologically Bingham may feel that this year is his journey to defend his Title at the Masters. I think that's going to be another stress. Karen's current performance is very stable. He has already shown his best in various competitions. Stewart will be very sharp, but I think Karen has an advantage in this game. ”