Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will face two-time winner John Higgins within the first spherical as he bids for a document extending ninth Masters title subsequent month.
O’Sullivan and Higgins are each a part of snooker’s famed ‘Class of 92’ and their assembly will probably be a repeat of the 2005 and 2006 finals, with the Englishman and the Scot, successful one every.
The distinguished invitational match, one among snooker’s Triple Crown occasions, will happen at London’s Alexandra Palace between 12-19 January.
The draw for the primary spherical came about in the course of the UK Championship remaining with Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump, the world primary, chosen to face one another once more on the Masters.
World champion Kyren Wilson will play Zhang Anda, whereas three-time Crucible winner Mark Williams will face Ding Junhui.
The Masters options the highest 16 gamers on the earth rankings on the finish of the UK Championship.
Masters – first spherical 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