The draw for this season’s Masters has been made, with defending champion Neil Robertson taking on Shaun Murphy, while Ronnie O’Sullivan plays Luca Brecel.
15 of the 16 players in the draw are confirmed, with Ding Junhui able to grab the final spot in the field if he beats Mark Allen to win the UK Championship on Sunday evening. If he does so, Yan Bingtao will drop out of the draw.
With just the world’s top 16 heading to Alexandra Palace, it is only ever a quality draw and there are some immense matches coming up in the very first round.
Mark Selby against Zhao Xintong will be an interesting tussle, former champion Judd Trump takes on Ryan Day, while Mark Williams will play either Yan or Ding, either of which will be one not to miss.
John Higgins against Jack Lisowski is a standout tie, while there are heavyweight clashes as Kyren Wilson meets Stuart Bingham and Mark Allen faces Barry Hawkins.
Masters draw
Mark Selby vs Zhao Xintong
Judd Trump vs Ryan Day
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Luca Brecel
John Higgins vs Jack Lisowski
Neil Robertson vs Shaun Murphy
Kyren Wilson vs Stuart Bingham
Mark Allen vs Barry Hawkins
Mark Williams vs Yan Bingtao/Ding Junhui
The Masters runs from 8-15 January at Alexandra Palace in London.
Last year’s event was memorable, with Robertson beating Hawkins in the final, but so much drama before that showpiece match.
The semi-finals were remarkable as Hawkins upset Trump and Robertson downed Williams after needing two snookers in the last frame.
There was also the incredible contest between Williams and Higgins, which both veterans classed as one of the most memorable matches of their long careers as the atmosphere in north London was at its brilliant best.
MORE : ‘Talent only gets you so far’ – Mark Allen sends message to Jack Lisowski after UK Championship semi-final epic
MORE : Ronnie O’Sullivan laughs off Ding Junhui thrashing at UK Championship
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