Walden targets Masters double

Ricky Walden already has one ’Masters’ title to his name this season and is looking to add the more illustrious Wembley version to his CV on his debut.

The 25-year-old was a shock winner of the Shanghai Masters earlier in the season, beating Neil Robertson, Stephen Hendry and Mark Selby before defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final to land his first ranking title.

“I managed to battle through at Shanghai which was brilliant,” admitted Walden, who beat O’Sullivan 10-8 in the final.

“I’ve always believed in myself, but other people are always going to have doubts until you have achieved what you want to achieve.

“The fact I have won a tournament now hopefully proves to people that I can win the big events and hopefully there’s many more to follow.”

That victory ultimately secured his invitation to the Masters at Wembley – he was defeated by Matthew Stevens in the qualifying rounds – and he cannot wait to get started against Mark King in Sunday’s wildcard play-off.

“I got the news I had been handed a wildcard just after the UK Championships so I had a nice Christmas and I’ve just been on the table since really,” said Walden.

“It’s all to play for. If I can get my head down and settle in well then there’s no reason why I can’t get off to a good start down there.

“I think if I can settle in like I want to against Mark then I can go on a bit of a run.

“He’s been going through a bit of a struggle, but all it takes is a couple of matches to get yourself going again. It’s going to be a tough opening game, but I believe I can win.”

If Walden beats King he will face Shanghai semi-final opponent Selby, and is relishing the prospect.

He added: “I’ve already beaten him this season so it will be a good game to go into.”

As he is outside the top 16, Walden has to battle through qualifying to get into the main events.

“The qualifying is so difficult because conditions are slightly different,” he said.

“When you actually get to the venue then you feel you’re in the tournament properly and then you can go and kick on.

“Qualifying is so difficult to approach mentally sometimes, but it’s something you’ve got to do until you get into the top 16.

“The standard is so high in the qualifiers and everyone is after the same thing, but I believe in myself. Once I get to the final stages I think I can go on and win tournaments, like Shanghai.”

Although Walden would be delighted to win the Masters, his current aim is to break into the world’s top 16.

“I’m provisionally ranked 21 at the moment, so if I can finish off the second half of the season and maybe get another final under my belt and win a tournament, you never know,” he said.

“If I can get into the 16 this year I’ll be delighted with that.”