Snooker Masters Draw Unveiled: Ronnie O’Sullivan Set for Exciting Showdown and Rematch of UK Championship Final

RONNIE O’Sullivan encounters a challenging start as he begins his title defense in The Masters.

The Rocket, who triumphed over Ali Carter in last year’s final to claim his eighth title, will face his long-time rival John Higgins.

2

2

Ronnie has yet to secure any titles in the 2024-2025 season after a disappointing run.

However, he will head to Alexandra Palace as the defending champion, facing off against his Class of ’92 comrade.

His friend and mentor Jimmy White commented after the draw on Eurosport: “O’Sullivan feels positive about his game.

“He has a challenging match against John Higgins, who has shown great consistency.”

O’Sullivan and Higgins are familiar foes in The Masters, having faced each other frequently.

The duo met in the final back in 2006, where the Scot narrowly defeated O’Sullivan 10-9 in a gripping match.

In other matches, Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump, who are likely tired of competing against each other after their recent UK Championship final, will clash again.

World champion Kyren Wilson will face a formidable opponent in Zhang Anda during the first round.

Mark Selby, a three-time Masters winner, also has a tough matchup against Ali Carter, who has been the runner-up twice.

2011 Masters champion Ding Junhui will face off against Mark Williams, who last claimed the title in 2003 against Stephen Hendry.

Mark Allen will compete against Si Jiahui, which could turn out to be another exciting encounter.

The Masters is set to commence on January 12.

This year’s total prize fund is £725,000, with the champion expected to receive a winner’s prize of £250,000.