I've spoken to Shaun Murphy at Alexandra Palace, who watched Mark Selby tease him over his nine darter on television and then told Radio Snooker this: He understands people's scepticism, but he DID make the nine darter and he finds it 'funny how offended' darts people are by it.

Murphy also looks ahead to his Masters quarter-final against Neil Robertson, saying he doesn't quite buy into the theory that this is a free hit for the Australian, who was a late entrant into the tournament.

I'm delighted to say I've spoken to John Parrott at Alexandra Palace. The 1991 world champion talks to me about Alexandra Palace and the long history of the Masters.

Thank you for tuning in and listening this week, it's lovely to have you for company. I'll be back soon.

I spoke to Chris Downer, the author of the Crucible Almanac, about the two most famous Masters venues, Wembley Conference Centre and Alexandra Palace. Chris also talks about the changes for fans at this year's event.

And inevitably, the conversation turns to the future of the Crucible too and that most famous of Downer tomes.

The Masters is fifty years old and on this very date - January 13th - the first tournament began in 1975.

I speak to fans at Alexandra Palace about their memories of the tournament. What's really striking is how many first timers I speak to. That has to be a good thing in many ways.

Your Masters memories are most welcome too - tweet me @RadioSnooker or email [email protected]

Ivan Hirschowitz talks to me at Alexandra Palace about the changes at the 2025 Masters, including new fan zone areas. 

Happy Birthday to the Masters. Fifty years old to this very day. The first Masters in 1975 began on January 13th, with John Pulman v Cliff Thorburn and Alex Higgins v Bill Werbeniuk.

Events dear boy, dear boy. I'm back with news that Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled out of the Masters on medical grounds.

It would be easy - and obviously is for some - to take a more cynical view, but surely it's the time to take a kinder position. Here's my take. Plus, let's remember we've still got a superb match to look forward to at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

Your views are always welcome - tweet me @RadioSnooker or email [email protected]

The Masters is fast approaching and here's a look ahead to the schedule at Alexandra Palace, along with TV coverage. Plus some memories as the famous tournament celebrates its 50th birthday.

I'll be back from Sunday to bring you live interviews and commentary from Ally Pally. Your thoughts are always welcome - tweet @RadioSnooker or email [email protected]

The Masters begins this weekend and here's a run through of the matches to come, beginning with Ronnie O'Sulllivan v John Higgins. There's also a look ahead to the TV coverage of the tournament.

A very Happy Birthday to the Masters. Fifty years old. I'll return from Sunday on Radio Snooker with live interviews and commentary from Alexandra Palace.

You can contact me with your thoughts at any time: tweet @RadioSnooker or email [email protected]

The first broadcast of Radio Snooker with Nick Metcalfe in 2025 focuses on television coverage of the forthcoming Masters. 

Three lines for you here, about the BBC schedule for the famous old tournament, who will be in the presenter's chair and the return of a veteran commentator.

Your correspondence is always welcome - tweet me @RadioSnooker or email me to this address: [email protected]

The Christmas Specal episode of Radio Snooker with Nick Metcalfe gives me the chance to catch up on your correspondence so far. Thank you very much indeed for your kind words and constructive feedback. You can contact me any time - [email protected]

I wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Radio Snooker will return in the early days of 2025, with interviews and commentary from the Masters at Alexandra Palace.