Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Ali Carter really let Stuart Bingham off the hook. It was a very bad miss. If he had got in again and made it 2-0 you put your opponent on the back foot.

My mindset in these matches was to come out and try and win the first session 6-2. If you do that you can break the back of it. Ali Carter had a chance to start to do that.

What's this Stuart Bingham asks the crowd to up the volume as he rattles through the colours. The frame is his and he's starting to enjoy himself.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

It's fascinating contest between these two lads in their first ever Masters final. It's so evenly matched.

S.E.N.S.A.T.I.O.N.A.L.

No sign of nerves as Stuart Bingham cuts a long red into the bottom right corner pocket. The white smashes into a another red which helps him hold for the blue.

This should be one frame each.

Stuart Bingham gets to 47 and breaks down after unintentionally nestling into the pack to leave himself without a pot.

Ali Carter will get back to the table.

Nope. Ali Carter can't quite believe it. He pulls the face of a club player - and as well he might - after rattling the jaws of the bottom left bin with a straight, simple red.

This is a chance for Stuart Bingham to get some points on the board.

Wonderful cueing from Ali Carter who rolls in a long red and brown, is he in again?

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

You want to stamp your authority on the match as soon as possible because if you can get a two or three frame lead it puts pressure on your opponent.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

When you are presented with a frame-winning chance, even that early on and you take it, it is good for your morale.

Century breaks are great but it is more important that it is a frame winning break, because it keeps your opponent in his chair and keeps him cold.

Ali Carter could well clear up here...

Superb start from the 40-year-old. He's landed the first blow with a break of 126. Wow.

Ken Doherty
1997 world champion on BBC Two

Ali Carter has not made a century in the tournament but some of his best breaks and have been made to close out matches. This is another great break and should help him settle down.

Ali Carter goes through the gears to reach 33 before carelessly leaving leaving the white resting against a red. This next shot is awkward but if he makes it, he'll have a frame-winning chance....

In it drops to the bottom left bag. Great shot.

What. A. Miss.

Is that an early bit of tension in Stuart Bingham's right arm. He's missed a sitter. Ali Carter has a nice easy opener.

What was I saying a moment ago? Stuart Bingham has got Ali Carter in a spot of bother.

And he forces a mistake as 'The Captain' slides by his intended target off two cushions.

An early bout of safety which Ali Carter has the upper hand in at the moment.

He's had plenty of opportunities to brush up on his defensive work this week in matches against Mark Selby, John Higgins and Shaun Murphy.

Just try and pick a favourite for this. I dare you.

Image source, BBC Sport

Ali Carter is going to get us under way.

The players are on their way down to the table. The atmosphere is absolutely crackling.

Here we go.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

I think this is new territory for both players. What I've seen this week is that Stuart Bingham has the crowd - he's been working them after every match.

All you ever hear these days is that Snooker is a young man's game...

Or maybe not.

This final is between a 43-year-old and a 40-year-old, who have seen off the younger generation to get here.

Image source, BBC Sport