China's Ding to play Murphy in the Masters first round

China's Ding Junhui will face Shaun Murphy in the first round of the Masters at Alexandra Palace in January.

According to the draw here on Sunday, the fourth-seeded Ding, who lost to world No. 1 Neil Robertson 5-6 in the opening round last year, will take on last year's beaten finalist Murphy.

Defending champion Mark Selby takes on Mark Davis, while world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Robert Milkins.

Snooker's most prestigious invitation tournament runs from January 12 to 19 at Alexandra Palace in London, with a top prize of 200,000-pound and the famous trophy to be contested by the top 16 seeds.

Draw:

Mark Selby vs Mark Davis

Stuart Bingham vs John Higgins

Judd Trump vs Marco Fu

Ding Junhui vs Shaun Murphy

Neil Robertson vs Mark Allen

Stephen Maguire vs Joe Perry

Barry Hawkins vs Ricky Walden

Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Robert Milkins