Ronnie O’Sullivan has been handed a direct spot in the second round of the World Seniors Snooker Championship after the tournament draw granted him a first-round bye.
The 50-year-old is among several high-profile players who have been seeded straight into the last 16. Others receiving the same advantage include Alfie Burden, Robert Milkins, Stuart Bingham, Mark Williams, Ali Carter, Matthew Stevens and Joe Perry.
Staged at the Crucible Theatre, the event is open to players aged over 40 and is widely regarded as the premier competition on the World Seniors circuit. Past champions include Jimmy White and Steve Davis.
O’Sullivan, who is also set to feature in the World Championship beforehand, will take on either Ken Doherty or Gerard Greene in his opening match.
Elsewhere in the draw, Igor Figueiredo faces Mohamed Elkhayat for the right to meet Burden. White is awaiting the outcome of the “Golden Ticket” playoff, scheduled for April 18–19, which will determine his opponent, with the winner advancing to play Milkins.
Other matchups see Peter Lines and Anthony Hamilton battling for a tie against Bingham, while Williams will face either Craig Steadman or Neal Jones.
The winner between Tony Drago and Roger Farebrother will go on to meet Carter, while Stevens is set to face the victor of Dominic Dale versus Wayne Townsend. Finally, Reanne Evans takes on Aaron Canavan, with the winner progressing to face Perry.
The tournament runs from May 6 to May 10 at the Crucible.
Be the first to comment