World Snooker Championship draw: Luca Brecel begins defence against Dave Gilbert, Ronnie O'Sullivan to face Jackson Page

ByAndrew Wright

Updated 18/04/2024 at 08:20 GMT

The draw for the first round of the World Snooker Championship has been made and it has thrown up some intriguing encounters. Luca Brecel clinched a maiden title in stunning fashion last year and begins his defence against Dave Gilbert. Elsewhere, Ronnie O'Sullivan will start his chase for a record eighth world crown against Jackson Page, while Judd Trump takes on Hossein Vafaei.

Luca Brecel will begin the defence of his World Snooker Championship against Dave Gilbert at the Crucible Theatre, which runs from April 20 to May 6.

The Belgian had never been past the first round in Sheffield prior to his stunning run to last year's final, where he beat Mark Selby to become the first continental European to lift the trophy.

Brecel will be attempting to do what no first-time winner has ever done and defend his title but he faces stiff opposition as the biggest names gather in the Steel City.

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Ronnie O'Sullivan will be going for a record eighth world crown and has been drawn against Jackson Page in the first round.

Elsewhere, world No. 2 and 2019 champion Judd Trump takes on Hossein Vafaei in a potential blockbuster encounter.

Another thriller on paper features Ding Junhui and Jack Lisowski, while there is also an all-Leicester clash between four-time champion Mark Selby and Joe O'Connor.

One player who won't be in Sheffield is 2010 champion Neil Robertson, who lost 10-9 to Jamie Jones in the final qualifying round.

You can watch all the action and enjoy expert analysis and reaction live on Eurosport and discovery+.

Brecel clinches 'sensational' maiden world title against Selby at Crucible

Round one draw

• Luca Brecel v David Gilbert
• Ronnie O'Sullivan v Jackson Page
• Judd Trump v Hossein Vafaei
• Mark Allen v Robbie Williams
• Mark Selby v Joe O'Connor
• Mark Williams v Si Jiahui
• Ding Junhui v Jack Lisowski
• Shaun Murphy v Lyu Haotian
• Ali Carter v Stephen Maguire
• Gary Wilson v Stuart Bingham
• Zhang Anda v Jak Jones
• Kyren Wilson v Dominic Dale
• John Higgins v Jamie Jones
• Tom Ford v Ricky Walden
• Barry Hawkins v Ryan Day
• Robert Milkins v Pang Junxu

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