13 April 2023 , 07:48
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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
Ronnie O'Sullivan forced off table in two frames during Welsh Open clash
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