Cliff Thorburn, three-time champion and the oldest living winner, described the Johnstone's Paint Masters as his favourite event other than the World Championship as he looked ahead to the 50th anniversary of the tournament.
Having first been staged in 1975, the Masters celebrates its half century next week when the event runs from January 12th to 19th at Alexandra Palace in London. Legend Thorburn, age 76, lifted the trophy in 1983, 1985 and 1986 and is one of only six players to have won the title more than twice.
"The Masters always had that elite character because it was just the top 16 players and everything was so beautifully presented," said the Canadian. "It was always in London which is one of the world’s great cities. It's still the same today, the Masters stands out. You have to rise to the occasion. It’s a reward for getting into the top 16. If you’ve won the Masters, you’ve really done something. It’s a different deal to any other tournament apart from the World Championship. The pressure in the final is as big as it gets outside the Crucible.
"I still love coming to the event at Alexandra Palace which is a great venue. I know snooker has moved on, but it’s also important to have a connection to our past and to honour the great players. It’s a wonderful game and we have a great history and I like the fact that we keep some traditions. The people have changed now, but the game is still more or less the same."
As for today's top 16, Thorburn particularly admires world number one Judd Trump. He added: “I love watching Trump. I’m glad he has learned more about the game and he has got something to fall back on now when he’s not at his best. He still plays impossible shots and he’s great under pressure. I think he works very hard. There was a time in my career where I didn’t want to go to bed because I enjoyed practising so much, and I couldn’t wait to wake up and start again. And I think he’s got that enthusiasm now."
Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson and defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan are among the 16 players looking to capture the Paul Hunter Trophy and record £350,000 top prize this time. The opening day and final are sold out but tickets for certain sessions are still available from just £32 - for details click here. For the match schedule click here.
