Newcomers for O'Sullivan and Selby

Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion Mark Selby will tackle Crucible debutants in the first round of the Betfred World Championship.

Five-time winner O’Sullivan will face Manchester cueman Craig Steadman, who at the age of 32 is set for his bow at snooker’s most prestigious tournament.

Ronnie O'Sullivan to play Craig Steadman.

Selby will tackle Norway’s Kurt Maflin, who came through 10-9 in the final qualifying round against Irish veteran Fergal O’Brien on Wednesday night. Their match will take place over Saturday morning and evening sessions, as the tournament gets under way.

Judd Trump faces another tournament newcomer, as he goes head to head with Grimsby’s Stuart Carrington, a player he faced frequently in the junior ranks.

The fourth Crucible novice this year is Scotland’s Anthony McGill, who goes head to head with fellow Glaswegian Stephen Maguire in round one.