Ronnie consoled Ding during his Masters meltdown

That means one of the favourites for the title will not make it past the opening hurdle at The Crucible.

O'Sullivan beat the Chinese teenager 10-3 in January's Masters final, when a rowdy Wembley crowd upset Ding.

Defending champion Graeme Dott takes on Ian McCulloch while teenager Judd Trump faces 2005 champion Shaun Murphy and Steve Davis plays John Parrott.

It is the first time the experienced duo will meet at the Crucible Theatre in 16 years.

In 1991 Parrott beat Davis 16-12 in the semi-final of the Championship, gaining revenge for an 18-3 thrashing from Davis in the 1989 final.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on the draw

Dott lifted the trophy last year after beating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the longest final in Crucible history.

In making his debut at the event this year, Trump from Bristol emulates former champions Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan as the only other 17-year-olds to feature.

Northern Ireland's Mark Allen is another making his first appearance at the Crucible this year, and he faces 1997 winner Ken Doherty in his opener.

World number 66 David Gilbert from Derby is also a debutant. His reward for making it to snooker's elite event is a meeting with seven-time World Champion Stephen Hendry.

The Championship takes place from 21 April to 7 May and will receive full coverage on the BBC.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

First Round (Seeds in Bold)