The draw for the upcoming Masters at the Alexandra Palace has taken place during the final of the UK Championship in York.
The prestigious invitational, which sees only the elite top 16 in the world rankings invited, takes place from January 14th to 21st early in the New Year.
Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who is currently fighting it out with Shaun Murphy in the final at the Barbican Centre, will make a bid for a record eighth Masters crown against Marco Fu.
World number one Mark Selby, meanwhile, will take on Mark Williams in arguably the tie of the first round while two-time champion John Higgins meets debutant and fellow Scot Anthony McGill.
Belgium’s Luca Brecel, the other player making a maiden appearance in London, will challenge Mark Allen in another eye-catching encounter.
Below is the first round draw in full.
Last 16 Draw
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Marco Fu (Tuesday, January 16 at 1pm)
Mark Allen v Luca Brecel (Sunday, January 14 at 7pm)
John Higgins v Anthony McGill (Wednesday, January 17 at 7pm)
Ding Junhui v Ryan Day (Monday, January 15 at 1pm)
Judd Trump v Liang Wenbo (Monday, January 15 at 7pm)
Shaun Murphy v Ali Carter (Wednesday, January 17 at 1pm)
Barry Hawkins v Kyren Wilson (Tuesday, January 16 at 7pm)
Mark Selby v Mark Williams (Sunday, January 14 at 1pm)
More thoughts and reflections on this draw will be featured on this site at a later date.
Come on mr murphy
When do we find out the dates of when they are played
Uk masters 2018
Did u find this out?
Hello Lee and Michael. The article has now been updated to include the dates for each first-round match.
is it possible to find out which quarter final each player would play in if they win? i.e. which time?