Ronnie O'Sullivan will not return to action at a ranking event until the British Open next month, but the snooker GOAT already knows his potential path to the last 32 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.
The current world champion will open his title quest against Swiss No. 1 Alexander Ursenbacher on Monday 26 September with the winner of that tie drawn against former Welsh Open semi-finalist Joe O'Connor in the second round.
Ad O'Conner secured his spot in the main draw after a 4-1 victory over Chris Wakelin during qualifying in Wigan. SnookerSix Red World Championship cancelled amid Allen 'frustrating' blast17 HOURS AGO The season's third ranking tournament, which returns again after its successful rebirth last year following a 17-year absence, will be staged between 26 September and 2 October with all matches involving the top 16 seeds held over until the finals venue.
O'Sullivan will be chasing a second British Open, a remarkable 28 years after he defeated Thai icon James Wattana 9-4 for his first triumph in 1994.