O'Connor v The Rocket at the World Grand Prix

LEICESTER MAN FACES TOUGH OPENING CLASH

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LEICESTER’S Joe O’Connor will take on Ronnie O'Sullivan in his opening match of the World Grand Prix at the Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong.

The top 32 on the one-year ranking list qualify for the event, which takes place from February 3-8.

O'Connor, 30, showed he’s in good form by reaching the quarterfinals of the Scottish Open in Edinburgh.

Leicester's four-time world champion Mark Selby also reached the last eight at the Scottish Open after winning the Champion of Champions title in his home city and then his third UK Championship title.

Second seed Selby will meet Ireland’s Aaron Hill, the No.31 seed, in his opening clash.

Neil Robertson will defend his World Grand Prix title following a crushing 10-0 whitewash win over Stuart Bingham in the final last season.

Robertson is top seed and will face former Crucible finalist Jak Jones in his tournament opener.