Sport: What to watch and when

Snooker: The Masters

Today-Sunday, times vary

Channels: BBC 1, 2, British Eurosport

Snooker's elite converge on Wembley Arena for the baize game's largest invitational tournament. The world's top 16 players, headed by Rocket Ronnie O'Sullivan (above), Stephen Hendry and defending champion Mark Selby, will be cueing up to take home the £150,000 pot, in a tournament that yields only to the World Championship in terms of prize-money on offer.

Football: Southend United v Chelsea

Wednesday, 20.00-22.10

Channel: ITV 1

Luiz Felipe Scolari drags his troops to Roots Hall for a replay the Blues could have done without. The Brazilian may field a strong line-up following last week's late Shrimpers equaliser, although Steve Tilson's side have form against the "big four" – home supporters will recall with glee Freddy Eastwood's glorious free-kick winner against Man United in 2006.

Golf: Abu Dhabi golf championship

Thursday-Sunday, times vary

Channel: Sky Sports 1, 2

The stars of the golfing world dust off their clubs for the first big meet of the year at the picturesque National Course. Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia take centre stage, while Scot Colin Montgomerie looks to return to form. With Tiger Woods rumoured to be back next month, the rest will aim to put down a marker.

Rugby Union: Munster v Sale

Friday, 19.30-20.00

Channel: Sky Sports 1

The Heineken Cup reawakens from its festive slumber with Philippe Saint-André (right) taking his Sharks to defending champions Munster for an enticing Pool One tie, looking to avenge the Irish side's 24-16 victory at Edgeley Park in October.

Football: Hull City v Arsenal

Saturday, 17.00-20.00

Channel: Setanta Sports 1

Had this match been played a couple of months ago, the clever money would have been on the Tigers to complete a league double over Arsenal, following last September's 2-1 victory at the Emirates. However, with just one win in 13 games for Hull and with Arsène Wenger's men unbeaten in two months in the league, an away win appears likely, to ignite further the Gunners' flickering title hopes.