Seven-time champion Stephen Hendry has been handed a first-round clash against Stuart Bingham in the World Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre after coming through qualifying.
Elsewhere, John Higgins, 10/1 with bookmaker to successfully defend the title he won 12 months ago, has been drawn to play China’s Liang Wenbo, while Ronnie O’Sullivan faces Peter Ebdon.
Ebdon, 50/1 to win his second World Championship following his success a decade ago, beat Alfie Burden 10-0 in his final qualifier and is in a rich vein of form after winning the China Open earlier this month.
Luca Brecel, the 17-year-old Belgian who will be the youngest player to appear at the World Championship, will play Scotland’s Stephen Maguire, while world number one Mark Selby faces Barry Hawkins.
