World Snooker Championship draw: Wilson plays Lei, O’Sullivan to face Carter

Defending champion Kyren Wilson will play Lei Peifan with Ronnie O’Sullivan set to face Ali Carter in the first round of the World Championship as he bids for a record eighth title in the modern era.

O’Sullivan, 49, who is yet to confirm if he will participate, has not played competitively since snapping his cue at the Championship League in January.

His prospective meeting with Carter is a repeat of the 2008 and 2012 finals, which were both won by ‘The Rocket’.

World number one Judd Trump will take on Zhou Yuelong, while Masters winner Shaun Murphy will play Daniel Wells.

The tournament begins on Saturday at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with live coverage across the BBC.