Will Ronnie O'Sullivan equal Stephen Hendry's record haul at snooker's biggest elite event?

ByDesmond Kane

Updated 17/01/2016 at 12:32 GMT

Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Barry Hawkins in the 2016 Masters final at London's Alexandra Palace on Sunday as he chases a sixth Masters title, a total that would see him draw level with Stephen Hendry's record set in the 1990s.

The five-times world champion will have the backing of the majority of 2,000 fans at the North London venue, but history suggests he is a 50-50 shot for the title having won five of his previous 10 finals in the tournament.

[REPORT: Ronnie O'Sullivan 'embarrassed' despite reaching 11th Masters final]

In saying that, he does not have to face Hendry, John Higgins, Steve Davis or Mark Selby this time. He also is 8-1 ahead of Hawkins in career meetings having last lost to the world number eight in the last 32 of the Scottish Open in 2002. Here is O'Sullivan's record in Masters finals over the past 21 years.

The Masters

O'Sullivan routs Hawkins in Masters final to equal Hendry's record

17/01/2016 at 21:27

FOLLOW LIVE COVERAGE OF THE 2016 MASTERS FINAL ON EUROSPORT AT 1pm

1995

Beat John Higgins 9-3 at Wembley Conference Centre

1996

Lost 10-5 to Stephen Hendry at Wembley Conference Centre

1997

Lost 10-8 to Steve Davis at Wembley Conference Centre

2004

Lost 10-4 to Paul Hunter at Wembley Conference Centre

2005

Beat John Higgins 10-3 at Wembley Conference Centre

2006

Lost 10-9 to John Higgins at Wembley Conference Centre

2007

Beat Ding Junhui 10-3 at Wembley Arena

Ronnie O'Sullivan lifts the trophy after beating Ding Junhui in 2007.

Image credit: Eurosport

2009

Beat Mark Selby 10-8 at Wembley Arena

2010

Lost 10-9 to Mark Selby at Wembley Arena

2014

Beat Mark Selby 10-4 at Wembley Arena

The Masters

Ronnie O'Sullivan 'embarrassed' despite reaching 11th Masters final

17/01/2016 at 11:16

The Masters

Robertson wallops struggling Fu to progress at Masters

13/01/2016 at 22:02