Ronnie O'Sullivan will face Pang Junxu in the first round of the World Snooker Championship 2023.

Snooker General

Ronnie O'Sullivan will face Pang Junxu in the first round of the World Snooker Championship 2023.

Reigning champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has been drawn to face debutant talented Chinese youngster Pang Junxu in the first round of the World Snooker Championship 2023.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan heads to the Crucible in search of a record eighth world title, hoping to move one clear of Stephen Hendry, who is tied with him on seven.

He will begin his defense in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday morning at the iconic Sheffield Theatre, which will see a conclusion on Saturday evening.

Last year's finalist Judd Trump is seen as one of the biggest threats for O'Sullivan once more and faces a tough test against Scotland's Anthony McGill.

2019 champion Trump faces the former Crucible semi-finalist in the opening round of snooker's blue-riband event, while four-time world champion Mark Selby will take on Matt Selt.

Shaun Murphy, who is playing the best snooker heading into the tournament, has been drawn against debutant Si Jiahui.