Ronnie O’Sullivan will start the defence of his World Snooker Championship title against Stuart Bingham on April 18.

The Rocket, who beat Ali Carter 18-8 in last year’s final to land his third Crucible crown, was paired with fellow Essex cueman Bingham when the random draw for the last 32 was made on BBC Radio Sheffield this morning.

World No 21 Bingham beat Stephen Hendry in the first round in 2000 and hopes he can register another shock. “It’s obviously a very tough draw, but maybe the first round is the best time to play Ronnie,” said the 32-year-old from Basildon.