Mark Selby hopes to match Paul Hunter’s achievement by winning the Masters three times in four years.
The Jester from Leicester defends his title in snooker’s most prestigious invitation tournament next month.
Selby has an amazing record in the Masters, winning it on his debut in 2008 and again last year, and reaching the final in 2009.
In all, he has won 11 of the 12 matches he has played in the event.
This season’s tournament runs from January 9 to 16 at Wembley Arena and Leicester’s Selby hopes to get level with the late Hunter, who lifted the trophy in 2001, 2002 and 2004.
“To win it for a third time in four years and match Paul’s achievement would be brilliant,” said Selby.
“I’ve got a very good record in the event, I love playing at Wembley and it tends to bring the best out of me.
“The atmosphere in the last two finals against Ronnie O’Sullivan is the best I’ve ever played in.
“Ronnie beat me in 2009 then I beat him last year, so it would be great to meet him in the final for a third time.
“The public might start to get bored of seeing us in the final every year, but I wouldn’t mind!”
Selby believes that the strength of the field makes the Masters harder than ever to win.
“The players are so sharp now because we’ve had a lot more tournaments, so the standard is higher than ever,” said the 27-year-old.
“Plus you’ve got the likes of John Higgins and Mark Williams right back in form, as they showed at the UK Championship.
“John has proved time and time again what a class player he is, and I never doubted that he would be back winning tournaments.
“There’s a very strong group of younger players like myself, Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui and Shaun Murphy who are all well capable of winning the big tournaments.
“I’ve been consistent this season and won a couple of smaller events, but I would love to go all the way at the Masters.”
Selby faces Mark King in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday, January 9 at 1.30pm.
