Ronnie O’Sullivan: Who stands between snooker GOAT and record eighth World Championship title?

Ronnie O’Sullivan could be forced to do it the hard way as he bids to become the most prolific Crucible champion of all time later this month.

In keeping with tradition, the world No. 1 will begin his campaign against a qualifier on the morning of Saturday 15 April in Sheffield, before he plays to a finish in the evening session with the first man to 10 frames reaching the last 16.

O’Sullivan will move one clear of Stephen Hendry’s seven titles lifted between 1990-1999 if he successfully retains the trophy this year having emerged victorious in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2022.

O’Sullivan could meet Ding Junhui in the last 16 if both men negotiate the first round, with a possible quarter-final meeting against old foe Mark Williams awaiting The Rocket in the quarter-finals.

The draw for the last 32 will be made on Thursday 13 April at 8:45am BST after qualifying is completed a day earlier.

2006 world champion Graeme Dott, British Open holder Ryan Day and 2020 semi-finalist Anthony McGill are among the men battling to reach the Crucible via the nearby English Institute of Sport.

2023 World Championship first round draw

• Ronnie O’Sullivan (Eng) (1) v qualifier
• Ding Junhui (Chn) (16) ) v qualifier
• Luca Brecel (Bel) (9) ) v qualifier
• Mark Williams (Wal) (8) v qualifier
• Judd Trump (Eng) (5) v qualifier
• Jack Lisowski (Eng) (12) v qualifier
• Robert Milkins (Eng) (13) v qualifier
• Shaun Murphy (Eng) (4) v qualifier
• – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
• Mark Allen (NI) (3) v qualifier
• Stuart Bingham (Eng) (14) v qualifier
• Ali Carter (Eng) (11) v qualifier
• Neil Robertson (Aus) (6) v qualifier
• Kyren Wilson (Eng) (7) v qualifier
• John Higgins (Sco) (10) v qualifier
• Gary Wilson (Eng) (15) v qualifier
• Mark Selby (En) (2) v qualifier

– – –