Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin his World Snooker Championship campaign against Jackson Page as he goes in search of an eighth world title at the Crucible. The Rocket was beaten by Luca Brecel in the quarter-finals last year but will be hoping to go one better this time around and get his hands on the prestigious trophy.
If O’Sullivan wins the top prize, he will surpass the record of seven titles he currently shares with Stephen Hendry to become snooker’s most decorated world champion. However, the likes of Mark Selby, Mark Allen and Judd Trump will be looking to stop him in his tracks while defending champion Brecel is also likely to be among the contenders.
The Rocket could face Barry Hawkins in round two if he manages to get past Page in the opening round at the Crucible. Hawkins will go up against Ryan Day in his first match but will be the favourite to get the job done and set up a potential meeting with O’Sullivan.
The standout tie of the first round will see Trump face Hossein Vafaei in a tantalising battle between two heavyweights of the sport. Elsewhere, Mark Williams will take on Si Jiahui while Ding Jinhui will go up against Jack Lisowski in another interesting clash at the Crucible.
Draw in full
Round One
Luca Brecel vs Dave Gilbert
Robert Milkins vs Pang Junxu
Ali Carter vs Stephen Maguire
Shaun Murphy vs Lyu Haotian
Mark Selby vs Joe O’Connor
Kyren Wilson vs Dominic Dale
John Higgins vs Jamie Jones
Mark Allen vs Robbie Williams
Judd Trump vs Hossein Vafaei
Tom Ford vs Ricky Walden
Zhang Anda vs Jack Jones
Mark Williams vs Si Jiahui
Ding Junhui vs Jack Lisowski
Gary Wilson vs Stuart Bingham
Barry Hawkins vs Ryan Day
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Jackson Page
MORE TO FOLLOW
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