Ronnie O'Sullivan in line for potential rematch with Zhao Xintong at Shanghai Masters

 

Ronnie O'Sullivan could face world champion Zhao Xintong in a potential rematch at the Shanghai Masters after the draw for the invitational event was made on Wednesday. O'Sullivan lost 17-7 to Zhao in the semi-finals at the Crucible last month, but is on the same side of the draw as Zhao as he chases a record-extending sixth title triumph in Shanghai. World No. 1 Judd Trump is defending champion.

Ronnie O'Sullivan could be handed the chance to gain a measure of revenge against Zhao Xintong at the Shanghai Masters after the draw for the elite event was made on Wednesday.

The invitational competition, staged from July 28-August 3, involves the top 16 in the world rankings with the four highest-ranked Chinese players and four amateur wild cards making up the 24-player field.

O'Sullivan, who lost 17-7 to Zhao in the Crucible semi-finals last month after a three-month absence, is seeded through to the round of 16.

He will begin his quest for a sixth victory at the event on July 30 against Barry Hawkins or Wu Yize.

The winner of that match is in line to meet world No. 2 Kyren Wilson in the quarter-finals, with Zhao a possible opponent in the semi-finals.

Zhao is set to end his suspension from competitive play in China on July 1, following his involvement in a match-fixing probe, and will face Chris Wakelin or a wild card in the last 16.

The new world champion could then take on compatriot Ding Junhui or the winner of Zhang Anda v Yuan Siijun for a possible meeting with O'Sullivan or Wilson in the semi-finals.

Trump seals Shanghai Masters title with record 10th century

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Judd Trump will begin his title defence in the chase for the £210,000 first prize against Neil Robertson or Pang Junxu in the last 16.

Trump defeated Murphy 11-5 in the final to claim the title for the first time last year.

Masters holder Murphy and 2011 winner Mark Selby could collide in the last 16 if results run to form.

Elsewhere, recent World Open and Tour Championship winner John Higgins confronts Xiao Guodong or Lei Peifan in the round of 16, with Mark Williams set to take on Mark Allen if the Northern Irishman can negotiate victory in the first round.