RONNIE O’Sullivan faces a tough opener when he gets his defence of The Masters underway.
The Rocket, who defeated Ali Carter in last year’s final to win his eighth title, will face off against fierce rival John Higgins.
Ronnie is yet to win a title in 2024-2025, following a disappointing campaign.
However, he will arrive at Alexandra Palace as defending champion when he takes on his fellow Class of ’92 member.
His pal and mentor Jimmy White said after the draw on Eurosport: “O’Sullivan is happy with his game.
“He has a tough game with John Higgins who has been very consistent.”
O’Sullivan and Higgins are no stranger to playing against each other in The Masters.
The pair made the final in 2006, where the Scot edged out O’Sullivan 10-9 in a tight affair.
Elsewhere, Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump, who will be sick of the sight of each other after facing off in the UK Championship final, will lock horns.
World champion Kyren Wilson will have a tough test when he plays Zhang Anda in the first round.
Mark Selby, who has won The Masters three times, also doesn’t have it easy when he plays Ali Carter – who has been a runner-up twice
2011 Masters winner Ding Junhui has been matched up against Mark Williams, who last won the competition in 2003 against Stephen Hendry.
Mark Allen takes on Si Jiahui, in what could be another thriller.
Last year, Ronnie O'Sullivan was victorious in The Masters. Can he win a ninth title?
The Masters begins on January 12.
This year there is a total prize fund of £725,000 – with the winner set to receive a cheque for £250,000.
