Four-time winner Mark Selby plays Joe O’Connor, who came though qualifying and is the only debutant in the draw.

John Higgins – another four-time champion – will meet Jamie Jones, who defeated 2010 champion Neil Robertson in the final round of qualifying.

Mark Williams, who won the most recent of his three titles in 2018, arrives at the Crucible having recently claimed the prestigious Tour Championship, but will face a tough opener against Si Jiahui, who reached the semi-finals 12 months ago.

Mark Allen, who has won three tournaments this season, gets under way against Robbie Williams, 2005 winner Shaun Murphy plays Lyu Haotian, and there is also the prospect of an entertaining encounter between Ding Junhui and Jack Lisowski.

Gary Wilson will look to build on his successes in the Scottish and Welsh Opens when he plays another former champion in Stuart Bingham.

Kyren Wilson will look to avoid an upset against 52-year-old Dominic Dale, who is appearing for the first time since 2014, having become the oldest qualifier since Steve Davis in 2010.