The Masters snooker: day five betting preview, tips and TV times

BBC2 & Eurosport 2, 1pm & 7pm Thursday

Ronnie O'Sullivan eased past Stuart Bingham 6-2 on Monday afternoon to kick off his 2019 Masters campaign and another straightforward success is expected as he meets Welshman Ryan Day in the second round.

The Rocket is a hot favourite to see off Day in the best-of-11 contest at Alexandra Palace as he looks to improve on his effort in the event last year when he was dumped out 6-1 by champion Mark Allen at this stage.

Dynamite Day surprisingly holds a decent record against the seven-time Masters winner having taken their last two meetings in ranking events - although both were back in 2011 - and he arrives after a good victory against out-of-sorts John Higgins.

But a win here would be the deepest he has ever gone in this prestigious invitational event and an interest in O'Sullivan on the handicaps is the smartest play.

Belgian Luca Brecel knocked out defending champion Allen in Sunday's opening match, but he must produce a similar standard again to compete with a rejuvenated and relaxed Ding Junhui.

The 31-year-old has endured a poor season so far, but will have been buoyed by a rare Masters win - this is only the second time he has beyond the first round since winning the Masters in 2011.

Brecel is an open and attacking player who will offer plenty of opportunities to Ding, who can settle into a rhythm and gain further confidence in what could be an easy win.

Recommendations
R O'Sullivan -2.5 frames
2pts 8-11 Coral, Ladbrokes
Ding Junhui -2.5 frames
1pt 11-8 bet365

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