Masters Snooker 2020 Draw: Judd Trump to begin title defence against Shaun Murphy

Judd Trump will begin the defence of his Masters title with a show-down against Shaun Murphy in Round One at Alexandra Palace in January.

Snooker’s most prestigious invitational sees the world’s top 16 ranked stars competing from January 12-19 for a record £250,000 top prize and the Paul Hunter Trophy.

Trump claimed the title for the first time last season, defeating rival Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-4 in the final.

The world number one and World Champion will kick off his title defence against 2015 Masters champion Shaun Murphy in one of eight mouth-watering ties.

Record seven-time Masters champion Ronnie O’Sullivan announced on Saturday that he will not be competing in the tournament and has been replaced by world number 17 Ali Carter.

Carter’s reward is a meeting with Mark Selby, winner of this title in 2008, 2010 and 2013.

Neil Robertson, the 2012 champion, wil face either Ding Junhui or Stephen Maguire depending on the outcome of the UK Championship final, with one of the two finalists also drawn against 2017 finalist Joe Perry.

Jack Lisowski, making his second Masters appearance, has been drawn to face 2018 runner-up Kyren Wilson, while world number 11 David Gilbert marks his debut with a clash against 2018 champion Mark Allen.

Two-time champion Mark Williams will take on 2015 World Champion Stuart Bingham, while another two-time winner of this title – John Higgins – faces 2016 finalist Barry Hawkins.

The full schedule of play is expected to be confirmed in due course

Masters Snooker 2020 Draw

First Round

Neil Robertson v Ding/Maguire
Judd Trump v Shaun Murphy
Mark Williams v Stuart Bingham
Mark Allen v David Gilbert
Kyren Wilson v Jack Lisowski
John Higgins v Barry Hawkins
Ding/Maguire v Joe Perry
Mark Selby v Ali Carter