World champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will face debutant Robert Milkins in the first round of the Masters at Alexandra Palace next month.

Snooker’s most prestigious invitation tournament runs from January 12 to 19 and the famous trophy is contested for by the top 16 seeds.

The draw for the opening round has pitched Londoner O’Sullivan against Gloucester’s Milkins, who will play in the tournament for the first time having climbed into the top 16.

Defending champion Mark Selby will meet Mark Davis while world number one Neil Robertson will face Mark Allen.