O'Sullivan to face Higgins at Masters

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will face John Higgins in the first round as he bids for a record extending ninth Masters title next month.

The prestigious invitational tournament, one of snooker’s Triple Crown events, will take place at London's Alexandra Palace between 12-19 January.

The draw for the first round took place during the UK Championship final with Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump, the world number one, selected to face each other again at the Masters.

Masters - first round matches

Ronnie O’Sullivan v John Higgins

Kyren Wilson v Zhang Anda

Judd Trump v Barry Hawkins

Mark Selby v Ali Carter

Mark Allen v Si Jiahui

Mark Williams v Ding Junhui

Luca Brecel v Chris Wakelin

Shaun Murphy v Gary Wilson