Ronnie O’Sullivan to lock horns with Ali Carter at World Championship

The Rocket has not played competitively since snapping his cue after withdrawing from the Championship League.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has not played competitively since January (Richard Sellers/PA)

Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been drawn to face long-term rival Ali Carter in the first round of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

The 49-year-old, who is seeded fifth, defeated Carter in the 2008 and 2012 finals at the Crucible.