THE DRAW for the first round of the World Championship has been announced.

Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin his bid to win his sixth World Championship title against Robin Hull from Finland.

The tournament – the biggest in the sport – gets underway on Saturday (April 19) from 10am.

O’Sullivan marked a comeback into the game in style by sealing his fifth world title last year after beating Barry Hawkins 18-12 – successfully defending his title he won in 2012.

His upcoming opponent, made it to the Crucible following a 10-8 win against Peter Ebdon on Wednesday night. It is the first time since 2002 Hull has made it to the Crucible stages of the World Championship.

Due to a serious illness, Hull once quit the sport but came back after qualifying through Q School a few years ago.

World number one Neil Robertson will face Crucible debutant Robbie Williams who potted a final frame re-spotted black against fergal o’Brien to secure his place in the first round proper.

The draw was streamed live on World Snooker’s YouTube channel earlier today and was presented by Barry Hearn, Jason Ferguson and six times World Championship winner Steve Davis.

The draw (in seedings order)

Ronnie O’SULLIVAN vs Robin HULL

Joe PERRY vs Jamie BURNETT

Shaun MURPHY vs Jamie COPE

Marco FU vs Martin GOULD

Barry HAWKINS vs David GILBERT

Ricky WALDEN vs Kyren WILSON

Mark DAVIS vs Dominic DALE

Ding JUNHUI vs Michael WASLEY

Mark SELBY vs Michael WHITE

Ali CARTER vs Xiao GUODONG

John HIGGINS vs Alan McMANUS

Stuart BINGHAM vs Ken DOHERTY

Judd TRUMP vs Tom FORD

Stephen MAGUIRE vs Ryan DAY

Mark ALLEN vs Michael HOLT

Neil ROBERTSON vs Robbie WILLIAMS