The Masters 2025: Ronnie O'Sullivan to start title defence by facing John Higgins in opening round

All eyes are still fixed on the final of the UK Championship between Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump, but thoughts are also turning to the second Triple Crown event of the season after the draw for The Masters was made at the Barbican in York on Sunday. Watch and stream top snooker action, including the Scottish Open, live and on demand on Eurosport and discovery+.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will face great rival John Higgins in the first round of The Masters.

The ‘Rocket’ has had a tough time in the 2024/25 season, and is still seeking a first title of the campaign.

He will head to Alexandra Palace as the defending champion, and it will be a tough opener against fellow Class of 92 member Higgins.

Snooker

Why O'Sullivan now says 'I feel like it's a wand in my hand'

16/11/2025 at 16:22

"O’Sullivan is happy with his game," Jimmy White said in the Eurosport studio after the draw was made. "He has a tough game with John Higgins who has been very consistent."

Barry Hawkins and Judd Trump are battling it out for glory in the UK Championship final, and they will renew rivalries in London after being pulled out against each other.

World champion Kyren Wilson has been handed a first-round clash with Zhang Anda, while three-time winner Mark Selby will lock horns with Ali Carter.

Ding Junhui won The Masters in 2011, and he will face fellow winner Mark Williams in round one, while Mark Allen takes on Si Jiahui.

The Masters gets underway on January 12, with all the action live on Eurosport and discovery+.

‘Listen to the roar’ - Hawkins gets on the board in UK final with century break

Video credit: TNT Sports

Masters Draw

• Ronnie O’Sullivan v John Higgins
• Mark Selby v Ali Carter
• Luca Brecel v Chris Wakelin
• Mark Allen v Si Jiahui
• Kyren Wilson v Zhang Anda
• Mark Williams v Ding Junhui
• Shaun Murphy v Gary Wilson
• Judd Trump v Barry Hawkins

- - -

Watch and stream top snooker action, including the Scottish Open, live and on demand on Eurosport and discovery+

Champion of Champions

Trump: 'Class of 92' will still be competing at 60 years old

11/11/2025 at 18:35

Champion of Champions

Champion of Champions 2025: Latest scores, schedule, results

16/11/2025 at 21:41