Ronnie O'Sullivan begins his 2012 German Masters campaign against Chesire cueist Andrew Higginson in Berlin this afternoon.

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The Rocket faces a tricky opener but will be looking to see off the much-improved world number 19 and challenge for a major title once more.

He will be out to banish early exits in the last two major televised events and is in desperate need of a good run to remain in the top 16.

Higginson, who reached the 2007 Welsh Open final, has won a PTC event this season and his good form has put him within touching distance of a place in the game's elite top 16.

The 34-year-old will be eyeing a major upset today but will need to produce the performance of his career if he is to dispose of the three-time world champion over a short format.

This will be the first meeting between the pair in a major competition and the bookies make Ronnie the firm favourite at 2/7, with Higginson priced at 5/2 with Bet365.

The match begins at 1pm and will be streamed live over the best of nine frames from the Tempodrom, Berlin.