Ricky Walden heads into the Masters in fine form having booked his place in the final stages of 2014 Championship League Snooker last week.
Chester-based Walden takes on Barry Hawkins in the first round of the invitation-only tournament on Wednesday.
World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and the world’s top 15 players are competing this week for the £200,000 top prize at Alexandra Palace in London.
Walden, ranked number 11 in the world, beat Judd Trump in the Championship League Snooker group one final on Tuesday.
He earned £6,100 and booked his place in the winners’ group in March, where major prize money will be up for grabs.
Walden said: “I was pleased with the way I played over the two days coming back off the Christmas break and it was nice to get a few wins under my belt ahead of the Masters.”
Bagillt potter Walden, 31, has a score to settle with Hawkins after the Kent-based cueman beat him in the 2013 World Championship semi-finals.
“It should be a good game and it is an opportunity for me to get one back on him,” said Walden.
Having reached both the World and UK Championship semi-finals in 2013, Walden has firmly established himself as one of game’s top players.
He admits he now needs to reach a major final as he looks to take the next step in his career.
Should Walden beat Hawkins, he would most likely face O’Sullivan in the second round.
