Masters Snooker 2016 quarter-finals: Selby meets the Rocket

Of the potting pair’s 22 professional clashes, the Rocket has succeeded on 13 occasions to Selby’s eight, but the reigning world number one will take confidence from his previous Crucible coup over his illustrious rival.

The last time the duo met over a best-of-11 encounter was in 2012, when Selby secured a comfortable 6-2 victory during the Welsh Open semi-final. He is 12/1 to emulate that scoreline here, while the Rocket is 6/1 to come through a second successive final frame decider.

Allen aiming to down the Hawk

In Thursday’s evening quarter-final meeting, Northern Ireland cueist Mark Allen will take to the baize against Barry Hawkins, the man who knocked him out of last year’s World Championship at the last 16 stage.

Allen toppled the Hawk in their most recent meeting at the Champion of Champions last year, rattling in an impressive century break in the opening frame, and he is 15/8 to triumph again and pot the highest break.

Although, two-time ranking event winner Hawkins has shown his true grit over the past few seasons, reaching two consecutive Crucible semis and a final, making him 5/4 to emerge victorious in this Masters meeting.

In what could be close encounter between two constant top 16 competitors though, a final frame shootout is 3/1 to occur in the capital, while Allen is 6/1 to edge such a scenario 6-5.

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Coral’s top tip: Back Mark Allen to overcome Barry Hawkins and make the highest break of their match at 15/8.