Mark Selby has endured a mixed start to the season and the world number one now has to come through German Masters qualification as he seeks to rediscover his form ahead of the Masters.

The ‘Jester from Leicester’ has just one tournament win this season, having taken the top prize at the China Championship. Selby has reached two further quarter-finals and one semi-final but by his own standards that has to be considered a disappointment so far.

Selby hasn’t managed to mount a serious challenge for a major since winning a third World Championship in 2017, having failed to progress beyond the second round in four attempts at a ninth Triple Crown win since.

The Masters was the scene of Selby’s first major success but he won all three of his titles in the event before his first victory at The Crucible in 2014.

Selby is 6.50 to win The Masters outright, with defending champion Mark Allen available at 11.00. The 35-year-old will be desperate to find some form ahead of the second major of the season after his first round UK Championship exit and he will be keen to qualify for the event in Germany.

Standing in the Selby’s way on Thursday afternoon is fellow Englishman Billy Joe Castle, ranked just inside the top 100 at 97.

The Hampshire-based 26-year-old managed his best result to date with a fourth round appearance in the Paul Hunter Classic earlier this year and beat Stephen Maguire at the Scottish Open but Selby should be able to avoid an upset.

Selby is 3.75 to win 5-0, while Castle is 8.50 to secure a victory.