Neil Robertson is determined to make the most of his unlikely opportunity when he begins his quest for a third career Masters title at Alexandra Palace this weekend.
Robertson, who won the prestigious top-16 event in 2012 and 2022, was gifted the chance to face John Higgins in the opening match on Sunday after Ronnie O'Sullivan’s shock withdrawal.
And the Australian, who has bounced back into the game’s elite after a dismal 2023 campaign, is relishing his chance to make a big impression.
Robertson told Talksport: "I haven’t had that much time to prepare, but I have been playing and I am ready to step in.
"I always believe I can win. The mindset is different, maybe the fact that I haven’t been thinking about it for the last few weeks helps.
"I have nothing to lose because I wasn’t expecting to be in it. That can always make someone very dangerous. I am capable of going all the way, but I’m just so happy to be in it because you never want to miss out on the Masters."
Robertson, who has also reached two further Masters finals, has showed signs of returning to form this season by winning the English Open title and reaching the last four of the Champion of Champions tournament.
His meeting with Higgins will be their first since Robertson battled back from 9-4 behind to win the Tour Championship final 10-9 in 2022.
Also on Sunday, Shaun Murphy, who won the Masters in 2015, starts his bid for a second title against Gary Wilson.
