O'Sullivan is wrong side of the blue and has to leave himself a mid-range cut on a red which he misses. He was in amongst the reds there so will be disappointed to make only 45.

A reprieve for Hawkins, who was probably thinking the worst when sat in his chair.

Hawkins goes for a long red into the top right but it wobbles in the jaws. The cueball doesn't find its way back up to baulk, instead hitting the pack in the middle of the table.

A mistake and it's an easy opening for O'Sullivan. 31 points and counting...

A good question. Ronnie O'Sullivan did say that the best he has ever felt during a match is when he beat today's opponent Barry Hawkins in the 2013 World Championship final.

Of course, the first frame is extremely important to settle the nerves and get yourself going.

Hawkins won't want to fall behind and play catch-up as O'Sullivan is the best front-runner in the game.

Barry Hawkins breaks off in the first frame but it's poor as he leaves a red hanging over the left middle.

Ronnie O'Sullivan pockets the red with his first shot but can't find position and sneaks in behind the yellow.

Paul Battison
BBC Sport at Alexandra Palace

The best seat in the house. This is the view from the commentary box. Ken Doherty and Dennis Taylor are the duo on the microphone for the first session.

Barry Hawkins is the first man down the Alexandra Palace steps. With a beaming smile, he looks very relaxed.

Ronnie O'Sullivan, dressed in an all-black combo, acknowledges the fans before making his way to his seat.

Stephen Hendry
Seven time World Champion

"It is not ideal for Barry Hawkins playing against someone who he has only beaten once. Hopefully, he can forget the occasion and play to his best. It will be a big test for him.

"None of the players pay attention to what Ronnie O'Sullivan says, he will be up for it today."

How the two players in this year's final match up...

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What do you reckon then? Will Ronnie O'Sullivan win his sixth Masters title or can the underdog Barry Hawkins upset the odds?

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Paul Battison
BBC Sport at Alexandra Palace

Ronnie O'Sullivan, playing in London just a few miles away from his home, is the face of the merchandise stall here at Alexandra Palace.

I've not seen any half and half scarves yet though.

We are under way on BBC Two and at the top of the page with live and uninterrupted action of the Masters final. Tune in.

Image source, Rex Features

Nine months without playing in a major tournament before turning up and reaching the final. His fellow players must be sick at the sight of him.

Ronnie O'Sullivan last played competitive snooker in a big TV event at the 2015 World Championship in April but has progressed to today's showpiece at Alexandra Palace.

He comes up against a tough nut in Barry Hawkins, who is in superb form and will fight his opponent til the end.

Welcome to the 2016 Masters final.

Image source, PA