Ronnie O'Sullivan issued Masters warning for blockbuster John Higgins clash ahead of title defence
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Former snooker star Neal Foulds believes John Higgins will receive a rousing reception at Alexandra Palace this Sunday, despite facing local favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The Scotsman is set to compete against O'Sullivan in London, where the 'Rocket' traditionally enjoys fierce home support.
"Even John Higgins on Sunday – a Scot in London playing hometown hero Ronnie O'Sullivan – will receive a terrific reception," Foulds wrote for Sporting Life. "And so he should."
The two snooker legends will face off in a highly anticipated Masters opener this weekend at Alexandra Palace.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is defending his Masters title this month
PAThe clash brings together two of the sport's most decorated players, who share an impressive 11 world titles between them.
O'Sullivan returns as defending champion to the prestigious tournament, where he'll be looking to add to his remarkable tally of eight Masters victories.
The match kicks off this year's Masters tournament, which features the world's top 16 players competing for glory.
O'Sullivan enters the tournament amid a concerning run of form, having lost four of his last five matches since early November.
However, Foulds suggests the high-profile match against Higgins could benefit the defending champion.
John Higgins will be looking to upset Ronnie O'Sullivan
Getty"I think facing John first up has the potential to be a good thing for Ronnie," he said.
"The two have so much respect for each other and he'll know he needs to play well in order to win."
Despite O'Sullivan's recent struggles, Foulds remains hesitant to dismiss the eight-time Masters champion's chances.
"On bare results alone, it's hard to have too many expectations. But the funny thing is, I actually don't think he has played badly at all," Foulds added.
"If Ronnie doesn't play well at the Masters, perhaps people would be right to question him and the state of his game, but it would be a brave man to write him off at an event he has won eight times already."
The Masters tournament will see elite players competing for a substantial £350,000 top prize and a coveted Triple Crown title.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has won eight Masters titles
GettyDespite their age, all three remain among snooker's elite top 16 players, earning their places at the prestigious Alexandra Palace event.
This year's event marks a significant milestone for the sport's veteran players, with all three members of the Class of '92 - O'Sullivan, Higgins, and Mark Williams - turning fifty.
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