Ding Junhui will begin the defence of his Masters title against The Rocket - Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Alexandra Palace in January.

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The match will open up the prestigious ranking tournament at its' new home - the Ally Pally on Sunday January 15 and signals a repeat of the 2007 final, which O'Sullivan won 10-3.

The potential classic is one of a number of mouthwatering first round ties, which include world champion John Higgins against winner of the 2000 event Matthew Stevens and Australian ace Neil Robertson versus young hotshot Mark Allen.

Judd Trump faces the much improved Stuart Bingham, for the right to face either Ding or O'Sullivan in the last eight.

Shaun Murphy takes on resident Londoner Martin Gould in round one, while Mark Williams begins his campaign against Scotsman Stephen Maguire.

The tournament, which features the world's top 16 players, is to be held from January 15-22, with all matches up to and including the semi-finals being played over the best of 11 frames.

To view the full draw bracket click here

2012 Masters Snooker first round draw

Ding Junhui v Ronnie O'Sullivan
Judd Trump v Stuart Bingham
Neil Robertson v Mark Allen
Mark Williams v Stephen Maguire
Mark Selby v Stephen Lee
Shaun Murphy v Martin Gould
Ali Carter v Graeme Dott
John Higgins v Matthew Stevens