The Masters 2023 snooker LIVE – Mark Allen takes on Barry Hawkins, Mark Williams v David Gilbert later

And this evening

It’s Mark J Williams v Kyren Wilson. That might be more of a tactical battle but should be every bit as fun, a legend against a would-be legend. So stick with us because it’s going fully off.

First up

We’ve got a battle of lefties: the season’s form player, Mark Allen, against perennial there or thereabouter but never quite therer, Barry Hawkins. Both men play an attacking game, so we should be in for a lot of fun.

Afternoon all!

And welcome to the 2023 Masters, day three!

‘I might say I don’t care, but…’ – O’Sullivan clarifies controversial comments

O’Sullivan picked off the Belgian 6-1 at Alexandra Palace after pouncing on a succession of big mistakes to book a quarter-final with either three-time world champion Mark Williams or David Gilbert.

And following his brilliant opening win at the Masters on Monday, O’Sullivan explained his indifference towards his results was because he had his life in perspective.

“At my age, and this stage of my career, I’m enjoying every moment and I think a lot of the time I’ve got a really good perspective on life and the game,” said O’Sullivan, who is chasing a record-extending eighth title at the Masters.

“I might say I don’t care but actually there’s a very good competitor there. And when I say I don’t care, I mean I’ve got life in perspective.

“Snooker is not the be-all and end-all. I love it, I enjoy it and I love competing, but I also enjoy my life as well and it’s just getting that balance right.

“And I don’t want to be defined by snooker or disappointed if I don’t do well at snooker. I think I’ve enjoyed the last 10-12 years of my snooker more than I ever have, I wish I had done it years ago.”

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