SEVEN-TIME champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has been drawn to face long-term rival Ali Carter in the first round of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

The 49-year-old, who is seeded fifth, defeated Carter in the 2008 and 2012 finals at the Crucible.

O’Sullivan has not played competitively since snapping his cue after withdrawing from the Championship League in January.

He pulled out of five of the last six World Snooker Tour events on medical grounds and has yet to confirm if he will play in this year’s tournament.

O’Sullivan and Carter, who overcame a neck injury to qualify, have endured a rocky relationship and notably clashed following last year’s Masters final.

O’Sullivan said his opponent was “not a nice person” during an expletive-laden rant following his 10-7 victory in that match after Carter accused him of “snotting all over the floor.”

World number five O’Sullivan has been an ever-present at the Crucible since turning professional in 1992.

Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, he is chasing a record eighth world title in the modern era to move clear of Stephen Hendry’s achievements.

His match against Carter is scheduled to start on Tuesday.

The final takes place over two days, beginning on Sunday, May 4, with £500,000 for the winner.