World Snooker Championship 2023 draw in full as Ronnie O'Sullivan discovers fate

13 April 2023 , 07:48

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Ronnie O'Sullivan is targeting a record-breaking eighth world title in Sheffield (Image: PA)

Ronnie O'Sullivan will begin his World Snooker Championship defence with a first round clash against debutant Pang Junxu.

The Rocket is chasing a record-breaking eighth Crucible crown and is the pre-tournament favourite to create more history at the iconic Sheffield theatre.

And O'Sullivan will start his pursuit for the title over a marathon 17 days in the Steel City on Saturday against talented Chinese youngster Pang.

Last year's finalist Judd Trump is seen as one of the biggest threats for O'Sullivan once more and faces a tough test against Scotland's Anthony McGill.

2019 champion Trump faces the former Crucible semi-finalist in the opening round of snooker's blue-riband event, while four-time world champion Mark Selby will take on Matt Selt.

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Shaun Murphy, who is playing the best snooker heading into the tournament, has been drawn against debutant Si Jiahui.

Neil Robertson will face Wu Yize, while UK champion Mark Allen is tasked with beating 2022 European Masters winner Fan Zhengyi.

O'Sullivan is the pre-tournament favourite (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

World Championship 2023 draw in full:

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Pang Junxu

Ding Junhui v Hossein Vafaei

Luca Brecel v Ricky Walden

Mark Williams v Jimmy Robertson

Judd Trump v Anthony McGill

Jack Lisowski v Noppon Saengkham

Robert Milkins v Joe Perry

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Shaun Murphy v Si Jiahui

Mark Allen v Fan Zhengyi

Stuart Bingham v Dave Gilbert

Ali Carter v Jak Jones

Neil Robertson v Wu Yize

Kyren Wilson v Ryan Day

John Higgins v David Grace

Gary Wilson v Elliot Slessor

Mark Selby v Matt Selt

Ben Parsons