Ronnie O’Sullivan to face debutant Mark Joyce in World Championship opener

Ronnie O’Sullivan, the six-time winner, is the top seed at the Crucible (Dave Howarth/PA)

Ronnie O’Sullivan will open the defence of his Betfred World Snooker Championship title against debutant Mark Joyce at the Crucible.

Veteran Joyce, 37, turned professional in 2006, but had never previously made it through to the showpiece tournament, securing his place with victory over Brazil’s Igor Figueiredo in the last qualifying round.