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| Venue: Alexandra Palace, London Dates: 7-14 January |
| Coverage: Watch live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button and online; live text coverage of the final on 14 January. |
John Higgins insists he remains very much in love with snooker despite a frustrating season and bouts of self-doubt creeping in as he gets older.
The Scot, a four-time world champion, is 12th in the rankings going into the 50th edition of the Masters.
Higgins, 48, meets Mark Allan at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his first title success in 1994, Higgins told BBC Scotland: “I don’t think I’d shaved yet – it seems like a lifetime ago.”
On his way to that Grand Prix final at the age of 19, Higgins edged past Willie Thorne in the first round and thrashed Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-0 in the last eight before beating Dave Harold in the trophy match.
“When you’re younger you don’t feel any nerves, but when you get a bit older you start to think of things that can go wrong,” said Higgins, who won the Masters in 2006 and has been a runner-up on three occasions.
“You’re fighting your own self sometimes rather than the opponent.
“It’s a sport you can play at a good level when you’re nearly hitting 50, as long as your eyesight is all right.
“I try to be more aggressive but it’s difficult when you’re out there under the lights in the bear pit.
“I’ve been to four semi-finals this season and just not been able to get over that hurdle. But I still love it.
“Most of the players are working-class guys and there are incredible riches to play for. That keeps us level headed and I’ve been lucky enough to have had some good times.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to play a sport I love and provide for my family.”
