Selby and O'Brien opener at World Snooker Championship 2017 Draw

Mark Selby will begin the defence of his World Championship title with a show-down against Fergal O'Brien at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Saturday.

Selby, who defeated Ding Junhui in last year's final to claim the sport's most prestigious silverware for the second time, has been drawn to face the former Masters finalist who prevailed through a record-breaking two-hour deciding frame against David Gilbert in the final qualifying round.

The annual show-piece features the world's top 16 ranked players alongside a further 16 qualifiers as they battle it out for £1.91 million in prize money from April 15 to May 1.

The 40th anniversary of the World Championship held at Sheffield's iconic Crucible brings together a wealth of in-form stars, overseas talent and a clutch of debutant qualifiers.

Ding begins his latest pursuit of a maiden world crown against fellow Chinese star Zhou Yuelong - the 19-year-old who is one of five debutants in this year's competition.

Ronnie O'Sullivan will launch his quest for a sixth world title with a clash against Newcastle's Gary Wilson - who made a 147 break in the opening qualifying round at Ponds Forge last week.

Judd Trump, the reigning European Masters and Players Champion, will take on the methodical Rory McLeod, while another stand-out tie sees 2005 winner Shaun Murphy up against 17-year-old newcomer Yan Bingtao.

Four-time Crucible king John Higgins will open up against former German Masters winner Martin Gould, while 2010 champion Neil Robertson faces Thai debutant Noppon Saengkham.

Barry Hawkins, the 2013 runner-up, meets Leicester qualifier Tom Ford, while two former World Champions collide as 2015 winner Stuart Bingham takes on 2002 winner Peter Ebdon.

Two-time world finalist Ali Carter faces a tough battle against 2006 World Champion Graeme Dott, while an all-Scottish show-down sees 2016 quarter-finalist Anthony McGill take on two-time semi-finalist Stephen Maguire.

English Open winner Liang Wenbo, one of six Chinese hopefuls in the line-up, faces Grimsby's Stuart Carrington, as former Shanghai Masters champion Kyren Wilson hosts debutant qualifier Dave Grace and 16th seed Ryan Day plays Xiao Guodong.

Antrim's Mark Allen will take on three-time qualifier Jimmy Robertson, with in-form Marco Fu up against Belgian ace Luca Brecel - who returns to the sport's greatest arena after a five-year absence.

The full tournament schedule of play will be confirmed in due course.

Betfred World Championship 2017 Draw

Round One

Mark Selby (1) v Fergal O'Brien

Judd Trump (2) v Rory McLeod

Stuart Bingham (3) v Peter Ebdon

Ding Junhui (4) v Zhou Yuelong

Shaun Murphy (5) v Yan Bingtao

John Higgins (6) v Martin Gould

Barry Hawkins (7) v Tom Ford

Marco Fu (8) v Luca Brecel

Neil Robertson (9) v Noppon Saengkham