World Snooker Championship 2024 as it happened – Luca Brecel knocked out by Dave Gilbert after Judd Trump opens up lead

Updated 20/04/2024 at 22:08 GMT

It's back. The 48th World Snooker Championship gets underway on Saturday as defending champion Luca Brecel opens his campaign against David Gilbert (10:00 UK time and 19:00). 2019 world champion Judd Trump is also in action on the opening day in a tasty clash with Hossein Vafaei (14:30), while Masters runner-up Ali Carter meets Stephen Maguire (14:30). Stream all the action on discovery+.

Vafaei misses red to middle, sees it drop into yellow pocket against Trump

That's us for tonight

That's yer lot, the tournament has opened with the defending champion Luca Brecel being eliminated, after a stunning comeback from David Gilbert.

World Championship

Jones produces stunning clearance against Bingham

00:02:48

9 hours ago

The Crucible folks, there's nothing like it, and this is only day one. We'll be back with you from 9.45am BST tomorrow with more action from Sheffield.

Elsewhere

Tom Ford currently leads Ricky Walden 6-2, they're playing the final frame of the session.

David Gilbert fights back to stun Luca Brecel

What an evening of snooker that was. Wild pots, freak events, agonising swings in fortune and the gutsiest of comebacks, we had it all there. Luca kept Dave at bay for most of the evening, but a stunning comeback from 9-6 down means another Luca is the latest champion to fall in the first round of their defence. In his post-match interview, Luca says that he's been ill, but praises David and says he hopes he wins the whole thing. Make no mistake, David earned that; breaks of 65, 81, 53 and 69 to close it out is some show of character on the biggest stage of all.

Brecel 9-10 Gilbert

David gets another look at frame ball red, but can't jam it into the bottom right. He gets a third look, red to right middle, and mulls it over for nearly two minutes. Eventually he plays it, and drops it in the heart of the pocket, and Luca needs snookers. When David leaves him tight to the top cushion, Luca doesn't want to know; he concedes, David completes a stunning comeback and the Crucible Curse strikes again!

Brecel 9-9 Gilbert (0-69)

It's getting more and more intricate, and a superb red down a tight gap and into the bottom left leaves him on the blue. That's dispatched, and here's frame ball red...oh my word he's missed it! David tried to play that with a touch of side as he wasn't perfect on the red, and by the skin of his teeth Luca is still in this. What a mountain here; Luca's 69 behind with 75 out there, and he's not on anything.

Brecel 9-9 Gilbert (0-56)

A stun and run through on a red tickles the pack and brings out more reds. The champion is in big, big trouble here, and can only watch and hope. Another tickle on the pick a few shots later leaves him a short jab on a red, and then the black which brings up his half-century. He's really wired in here, and it's hard to see him missing.

Brecel 9-9 Gilbert (0-25)

David traps Luca tight behind the green early in the decider. Luca opts to blast out again and truct to luck, but this time the white misses everything and flies into the left middle. There are reds available and the black is on to both corners; given the zone David's been in for the last three frames he just needs to stay there and develop this. He adds 20 but he's lost position slightly and needs to take a red to bottom left with the spider. It's a bold shot, and David calmly drops it in to hold for the black.

Brecel 9-9 Gilbert

It all comes down to this. The players shake hands; either Luca will dodge the Crucible Curse or David will pull off an extraordinary comeback to eliminate the defending champion. Eyes down!

Brecel 9-9 Gilbert

The final red goes, and it's up for the colours off the blue. They're all on their spots but there's intolerable pressure on him to dish to the pink. David coasts through it though, potting the pink for the 53 that forces the decider! What a match!

Brecel 9-8 Gilbert (51-19)

Luca is taking his time on this break, he knows he's got a dangerous opponent waiting if something goes askew. It's a bit edgy, and he rides his luck with position a few times; it eventually comes unstuck on 46 as he misses a routine green to its own pocket! My oh my. There's 67 left on, and David will need to go into the cluster to turn this into a frame-winning chance. He does just that, but he's not on anything...until he makes a double into the bottom right, and he's on the green! That goes, followed by a mid-range red to bottom left to hold for the black, and the steal is on!

Brecel 9-8 Gilbert (29-6)

David's in again in frame 18, picking out a shot to nothing to bottom left. A corker of a brown follows, thunked into the left middle with heavy topspin to go down for a red below the black. He's really found his touch in the last 20 minutes, but disaster soon strikes; he fires the blue into the right middle and goes into the pack, splitting them perfectly but sending a red into the bottom right. He's left big points on here, and Luca's break is up to 23 in no time.

Brecel 9-8 Gilbert

We've got a live one here folks. David puts the frame to bed with an 81, and two quick frames on the spin have changed everything in this match.

‘Attention all pockets’ - Brecel smashes balls and a red drops in in 15th frame

Brecel 9-7 Gilbert (3-56)

David is taking these very calmly, this is snooker under extreme pressure. It's a half ton already as he goes up to baulk and picks off the loose red; the green that follows needs all of the pocket to go in but he gets position back in driving in the next red to bottom left to land on the blue. He's taken these superbly.

Brecel 9-7 Gilbert (3-21)

What a shot! Luca booms in a long red to the bottom left, clean as a whistle and screwing back past the baulk line, to open frame 17. Fouldsy in comms reckons that's the shot of the day. The yellow follows but position doesn't come with it; Luca takes on a tough red to left middle which hits the low knuckle and almost flies into the yellow pocket. That's left a chance for David, and if he can keep the rhythm of the last frame going this could get very interesting. The pack will need a whack and he duly does just that off the blue, freeing reds as his break goes to 21 and counting.

Brecel 9-7 Gilbert

He does indeed cut the lead, potting the pink to yellow pocket for 65 and the frame.

Brecel 9-6 Gilbert (55-46)

A glimmer of hope for David, as Luca misses a red to bottom right with the rest. With six reds left this is still a live one, and they're all there for David if he can just slip into gear. He loses position slightly but recovers to short jab a delicate red into the right middle. The break hits 45 as he takes a brown off the final red, and if he can dish up to and including the pink, David will cut Brecel's lead to two.

Brecel 9-6 Gilbert (41-1)

Luca runs out of position going in and out of baulk, and although a spectacular shot to nothing on a red keeps the break going he finally opts to jam on the handbrake and play safe. A few shots later Luca tucks David right in behind the pink in baulk, and this is big trouble. David misses with three efforts to drop on a red off two cushions, and off the final one he's left Luca in.

Brecel 9-6 Gilbert (21-1)

David leaves a red over the bottom left in frame 16 which Luca dispatches, but can't then follow up with the black into the same pocket. There's soon another look for David though when Luca leaves a red in the jaws of the bottom left. David booms it in, clangs into the pack, and he's on the black with reds everywhere. It's a nasty cut down the rail with the rest though, and he misses it; Luca is in, and this is a match-winning chance. There's 20 on the board already.

Brecel 9-6 Gilbert

An 85 does the business. Luca is one away, David now has to rattle off four in a row.

‘Flew in like a Belgian bullet’ - Brecel seals 13th frame with outrageous fluke

Brecel 8-6 Gilbert (65-0)

There goes frame ball red, and there'll be more coming on top with all four reds in the open. This has been a good, composed break that started with one of the filthiest flukes I've seen in a while.

Brecel 8-6 Gilbert (50-0)

A nice pot on pink to right middle flowers open a close cluster of reds, and a good recovery blue to left middle, sending the white in and out of baulk to regain position, keeps things chugging. Luca looks focused now, as he brings up his half-century.

Brecel 8-6 Gilbert (24-0)

Crikey. After some safety at the start of frame 15 Luca, trapped behind the green, opts to blast his way out of trouble. Off two cushions he smashes into the reds and it's attention all pockets; one only flies into the right middle, and it's left him with a practice table to go at! That is outrageous, and David can see the funny side. What a chance now to go within one of victory. Luca starts filling his boots, it's 24 and counting.

Gilbert snatches wild 12th frame despite going in-off against Brecel

Brecel 8-6 Gilbert

After a few goes each at it, David drains the final red. The yellow follows and he lands back on it perfectly, the frame now at his mercy. The green is frame ball and soon goes, as David clears to the pink to claw one back.

Brecel 8-5 Gilbert (37-52)

Oh my days. On 48 David gets a shocker of a kick on a simple red to the yellow pocket, and he's missed it; Luca could steal the frame here. Luca soon drops on the final, difficult red along the rail...and hits it so hard that the red spits out of the jaws and away. We could be in for another close finish in this one.

Brecel 8-5 Gilbert (32-36)

It's up table safety for now, a stanza in which Luca gives away four for missing a short nudge safety. He's in bother now too as another poor safety leaves a red to right middle, and there's a load on for David now. Luca's lead is quickly erased as David's break reaches 32. All he needs to do is hold his nerve here, there is one red near the top cushion that he'll need but will have ample option of baulk covers to play on and for.

Brecel 8-5 Gilbert (32-0)

So, what next? Luca breaks off and David misses a thrash at a long red, again way off the target. In response Luca blams in an opening red and then floats the yellow into the left middle. He's soon down near the business end of the table, and when he powers through a mid-range pink he opens the pack as the white runs through. It's still a bit loose from him though and when he fails to go in and out of baulk off the blue, hitting the yellow full ball, his only option is a long red which he misses by a long way. Luckily for Luca, he's not left anything.

Elsewhere at The Crucible

Tom Ford leads Ricky Walden 3-1 on the other table.

Brecel 8-5 Gilbert

Big LOLs now - Luca flukes the final red! That does it for this first mini-session, which was packed with the dramatic. More of the same after the interval please! Back in 15.

Brecel 7-5 Gilbert (66-30)

Luca gets to his half ton with a pink, and drops in behind one of the two tricky reds. He calmly rolls it into the bottom right, followed by the black, and that should be it Luca being Luca though, he puts hearts in mouths when he almost sends the white into the yellow pocket from his safety off the final red! The upshot is that David now needs a snooker.

Brecel 7-5 Gilbert (30-30)

This could be trouble for Luca; he tries a deadweight red to the green pocket but it rolls off line, and he's served up a big chance for David...who can't take it as he misses a red to bottom right from short range! There was possibly a kick in there, but either way it's a decent look for Luca instead. We're soon all square in the frame as Luca reaches 22 and counting. A saving grace here for David could possibly be two reds on the rail either side of the pink.

Brecel 7-5 Gilbert (8-30)

It's gone wrong; David goes into the pack off the black, but is only left with a thin red to bottom left and he can't convert it. Fortunately, he leaves nish for Luca. This is an open and dangerous table, so whoever wins this safety exchange has a huge chance of taking out the frame.

Brecel 7-5 Gilbert (8-22)

What a frame that was, but look at this - Luca is so unruffled by recent events that he floats in a long red after David's break-off shot to land on the black. Is he too casual though? His next red is a shocker, as he shorts it to the left middle and leaves a tap-in for David. This is a big visit you feel; if David can do this in one hit to take us into the interval, we could have some finish tonight. David's up to 22 already, and looking good.

Brecel 7-5 Gilbert

We've got another black ball frame folks! David cuts in the pink but hits the jaws of the yellow pocket and has no shot on the black, so plays safe. Luca then tries another double, but the black misses by a distance and it hovers near the yellow pocket. It's a tough pot from distance...but David nails it, and he's stolen this frame by a point!

Brecel 7-4 Gilbert (63-51)

David can't get nicely on the blue along the top rail to green pocket. After a minute and a half of deliberating whether to take it on he plays safe, and it's a beauty. There's a good twelve foot of baize between white and blue, with the pink in the way of hitting it. Luca gives up five in his escape but gets it safe at the second attempt. Disaster then strikes for David; he goes in off from his safety, and leaves the blue over the middle. Surely that's the frame? No! Luca runs past the pink after potting the blue, then misses a double at the pink and leaves it! Crikey.

Brecel 7-4 Gilbert (53-32)

Luca fouls when his cue hits a red, handing four to David. At the moment Luca's concentration seems to have gone completely. David then flukes a red and tucks Luca in behind the black, snookered on the final red. Luca can't connect, and gives away twelve in total trying to blast his way out of mither. When he does connect, he leaves the red on to the green pocket. David drills it in, and has the chance to mop up and nick the frame.

Brecel 7-4 Gilbert (53-15)

After a long bout of safety David gets in, booming a long red to bottom right and going up for the brown. There's the chance for a steal here with all reds in the open, although the blue is up near the top cushion. He looks sunk in this one now though, as he misses a pink to bottom left and serves up the frame for Luca. Hello though - Luca's missed a virtually straight frame ball red to bottom right! There are two reds left, and David's still in this.

Brecel 7-4 Gilbert (45-9)

With his break on 44 Luca slips out of position and has to bridge high over the pink to pot his next red. He makes it, but then overcuts a black to bottom left and his break judders to a halt. The black is in the jaws, and David has a chance to respond...but can only make eight from it before failing to split the last five reds.

Brecel 7-4 Gilbert (17-1)

David clips in a long red in frame 12, but is only left with a tough blue to green pocket to keep going. It's close, but the blue rattles out; Luca clips in a thing red to bottom left, and he's away. He clears the black spot quickly, and he looks set for a heavy visit here.

Brecel 7-4 Gilbert

It's a frame back for David alright as he clears the lot for a 57.

Brecel 7-3 Gilbert (15-54)

A quick 17 from David leaves a tricky cut back on a red to a blind pocket, the bottom right. David drops it right in the heart though, and he's on the pink. We're done in this one, I'm sure.

Brecel 7-3 Gilbert (15-36)

David blams in a red to the bottom left, and he can see the black from the D. That goes down too, but it's still a difficult table and David makes just 15 in total. He's back in straight away though as a horrible double kiss on a safety from Luca leaves David choice of reds.

Brecel 7-3 Gilbert (15-21)

Luca can only take two reds and two browns in response, before a trip into the pack leaves him on nothing. Safety follows, until David goes all out at a long red but again misses by a big margin. He's left Luca another chance, but David is immediately back in after Luca overcuts a blue to bottom left, and there are points on here for David....until he screws back of a red and goes in-off in the right middle!

Brecel 7-3 Gilbert (0-15)

We're away in frame 11 an David gets in first, dropping a red deadweight into the bottom left to hold for the black. It's not an easy break with the reds tied up, but a three ball plant comes off to keep going and then he splits the pack nicely off two cushions after potting the blue. He's in a really attacking mood tonight but it goes awry when he misses a tough long blue long to the yellow pocket, and it's another chance for Luca to counter.

Brecel 7-3 Gilbert

A poor safety from David leaves the black on as a wafer thin cut to the yellow pocket. Will Luca take it on? Oh yes he will, and he's dropped it in to take the frame!

Brecel 6-3 Gilbert (59-61)

We ain't done yet. Luca finishes low on frame ball pink, and can't convert it into the bottom left. The frame is still on, and then David rolls the pink in deadweight...but lands so close to the black that he can't play it to the bottom left! Oh me oh my. A safety follows, and we've got us a black ball frame!

Brecel 6-3 Gilbert (45-55)

Oh hello! Luca launches a counter, snicking the out of action red along the rail and into the bottom right before opening two conjoined reds near the pink and now he's favourite for the frame. He's on the colours and they're all on their spots.

Brecel 6-3 Gilbert (9-55)

David stuns in a black for a half-century, but he's not landed conveniently on any of the five remaining reds. He takes on a red long to the green pocket, but it doesn't go close; Luca has the chance to counter here.

Brecel 6-3 Gilbert (9-39)

This is rapid stuff from David, he's piled in 35 and counting already and cleared a path for pink to bottom right. This is a very nice table and he could sort this frame out very quickly indeed.

Brecel 6-3 Gilbert (9-5)

Luca breaks, and leaves a red on to the bottom right. David is tempted and goes all out for it deadweight; he rattles it but it doesn't drop, and he's served up a big chance for Luca. Red-black-red follows, but in going into the pack off the blue thereafter a red flies in, and it's five away. What a table he's left David as well; this is a big chance to close the gap.

Here we go

Rob Walker introduces the players to the arena, with a hearty blast of Insomnia by Faithless accompanying David Gilbert and Insane in the Brain by Cypress Hill for Luca. First to ten then, let's get stuck in.

Also tonight

On our other table Tom Ford and Ricky Walden start their match, we'll keep you abreast of developments.

The Farmer

It’s been a poor season for David too, with a quarter-final of the Northern Ireland Open his best effort. He’s got fond memories here in Sheffield though, and only missed a place in the 2019 final after losing in a decider to the great John Higgins in the semis.

Retention Song

Having won this in some style last season, does Luca have it in him to retain his crown? He’s had a poor season, but it’s worth reflecting that he’d never won a match here until 2023. Luca then blasted through the field – he won a decider against Ricky Walden, beat Mark Williams and then Ronnie O’Sullivan, pulled off the Crucible’s biggest ever comeback to beat Si Jiahui and then turned over Mark Selby in the final. He’s got some unplayable stuff in his armoury, it’s just a case of finding it.

Evening Folks!

We’re about to close out day one of the 2024 World Snooker Championship, and the holder is back at the baize. Luca Brecel leads David Gilbert 6-3, and we’ll be seeing this through to a finish. It was a great opening session to start the day, let’s hope it carries on tonight.

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Thanks for joining us

We will be back for more updates at 7pm when world champion Luca Brecel resumes holding a 6-3 lead against David Gilbert, while Tom Ford and Ricky Walden start out their first-round match. See you then.

Carter 5-3 Maguire (0-67)

In goes the red he needs to leave Carter needing snookers, but the Essex player has seen enough. It is a 5-4 lead overnight for Carter.

Carter 5-3 Maguire (0-62)

A reprieve for the former UK champion as Carter can't cash in. Leaves the red to a top bag, and surely this match is heading for 5-4.

Carter 5-3 Maguire (0-55)

Into the pack of reds off the black, and Stephen has a red to right centre. Which he powers in. Every chance to make a frame-winning knock at this visit now. Fighting hard. Another red across the table is floated in as the contribution continues. A determined look on the face of the Glaswegian, but he is out of position seconds later. And he can't nudge in the mid-range red.

Carter 5-3 Maguire (0-24)

A thumping long red by Maguire brings up a smile from Carter. Can't believe the Scotsman has taken that one on. But in it goes. And he is on the black too. Bidding to close to within one frame overnight.

World Snooker Championship latest scores - Saturday, April 20

Round one

10:00 (UK time)

Luca Brecel 6-3 David Gilbert
Zhang Anda 2-5 Jak Jones

14:30

Ali Carter 5-4 Stephen Maguire
Judd Trump 6-3 Hossein Vafaei

19:00

Tom Ford v Ricky Walden
Luca Brecel 6-3 David Gilbert

Carter 5-3 Maguire

Carter moves 5-3 clear on the other table with a composed clearance to the pink. One more frame to come.

Trump 6-2 Vafaei (0-74)

No century for Hossein, but finishes with a knock of 74. And Judd offers the handshake. It does end 6-3 overnight.

Trump 6-2 Vafaei (0-68)

A fine, fine effort in progress from the world No. 19. Keeps him in the hunt heading for tomorrow afternoon. Looks like 6-3 overnight.

Trump 6-2 Vafaei (0-27)

Looks a very promising table to attack for Vafaei, who really could be doing with this frame before tomorrow's closing session. Nice stun shot on a pink to hold for the next red. Vital that he keeps his concentration.

‘What a classy break’ - Vafaei makes century against Trump

Trump 6-2 Vafaei (0-11)

Incredible pot on a red down the length of the table by Hossein. Hit that white as sweet as a nut. Pops in the brown to roll the white down the table among the reds. So he gets first go at these reds. But we've said that a few times today.

Trump 6-2 Vafaei (0-0)

One more frame coming up of the first session with Trump producing breaks of 63, 66, 72, 56 and 77 so far today. Only thing missing is a century.

Carter 4-3 Maguire

Plenty of heavy scoring on the other table with a 94 break from the two-time finalist helping him edge 4-3 clear.

Trump 5-2 Vafaei (97-0)

Judd unearths another brilliant long red, and that should be enough for a 6-2 lead. Huge final frame of he afternoon coming up. Has been a clinical display by him today.

Trump 5-2 Vafaei (41-0)

A break of 35 from Trump before is forced to run safe. Hossein tries to pick out a long red, but is off the potting angle before running the white back up to baulk. Judd then knocks in a longish red of his own. Chance then crack on for a four-frame advantage.

Trump 5-2 Vafaei (35-0)

White sticks to the pack of reds after the black drops, but comes up with a brilliant cut on a red to right centre. What a pot that is.

'Would have been some billiard shot' - Vafaei suffers huge miscue against Trump

Trump 5-2 Vafaei (20-0)

What is the Trump lead going to be overnight? Off to another quick start in this eighth frame as a tough red drops and he is up and running.

Trump 4-2 Vafaei (77-18)

A sparkling break of 77 from Judd, who just keeps potting the balls he needs when the hammer is down. Halfway to the winning line in this match with two more frames to come this afternoon. Winner of this match meets Tom Ford or Ricky Walden in the last 16.

Carter 3-3 Maguire

Nothing to split the evergreen duo on the other table as Carter pinches the sixth frame to level at 3-3. They will play to a finish on Sunday night at 7pm.

Trump 4-2 Vafaei (38-18)

Judd racing into the pack of reds off the blue, but doesn't get the right split on pack. Comes up with a fabulous recovery pot on a red using the rest. Then in and out of baulk using the blue. So chance to progress this contribution.

Trump 4-2 Vafaei (1-18)

Well, another early chance for Hossein that he messes up by missing a red along top cushion. A bad miss really at this level.

Trump 4-1 Vafaei (8-144)

A magical break of 138 from the 'Prince of Persia'. Back to 4-2 behind. First man to five will be assured of an overnight lead before they play to a finish on Sunday afternoon.

Trump 4-1 Vafaei (8-88)

Is Vafaei going to progress to make a century here? Looks very much like it. Has been right on the money in this contribution with his concentration remaining key under pressure. Hasn't been out of position.

Trump 4-1 Vafaei (8-44)

Breathtaking long red by Vafaei from distance. Red near a side rail, but he floats it in and is out nicely on black too. Was a real pressure pot. Great chance then to poke home a few more balls at this visit. Doesn't want to be falling four frames behind.

Vafaei misses red to middle, sees it drop into yellow pocket against Trump

Carter 2-3 Maguire

A sparkling 134 from the Scotsman in the fifth frame carries Maguire 3-2 clear on the other main showpiece table.

Trump 4-1 Vafaei (8-6)

Huge miscue from Hossein early in the sixth frame attempting to deep screw a red. Don't often see that as white jumps down the table before ending up dropping down a pocket.

Trump 3-1 Vafaei (64-44)

This could be yet another frame that eludes Hossein, who was in first in this frame, but Judd is putting away the balls at the business end. Which you have to do. Trump mopping up the loose balls in four frames so far. And in goes the pink. A 56 break this time for a 4-1 lead.

Vafaei gets frame on the board against Trump thanks to huge fluke

Trump 3-1 Vafaei (8-44)

Another huge fluke for Hossein as he misses red to left middle before the object ball spins down the side rail and into the yellow bag, but he can only add eight points from the visit as a tricky cutback black eludes him. Shaking his head.

Carter 2-2 Maguire

A 79 knock in the fourth from Ali sees him level up matter at 4-4 with Stephen Maguire.

Trump 3-1 Vafaei (8-36)

Wasting little time in racing to 36, but he then tries to hold for black and ends up missing an easy red. That was a golden chance, but not taken. Judd can't get the reds open off black. Just a safety shot to follow.

Trump 3-1 Vafaei (0-0)

Off we go then for the next five frames of a possible 19 in this match. Five more frames to be played this avo. Hossein picks out a pearler of a long red to get off the mark first in the fifth frame.

Trump 3-1 Vafaei (0-0)

Trump makes clinical break of 72 to take third frame against Vafaei

Trump 3-0 Vafaei (15-72)

A remarkable fluke by Vafaei to help himself over the winning line in the fourth frame. Tried to pot the red with rest, but red stays out, hits black then ends up flying down the opposite pocket. In goes the blue before a foul by Judd brings the frame to a conclusion. A 3-1 lead for Judd at the mid-session interval. No wonder Hossein is smiling. Will take those all day long.

Trump 3-0 Vafaei (15-40)

Vafaei thunders in long blue against Trump at World Championship

Trump 3-0 Vafaei (15-24)

Judd undercuts a red to right middle, and he looks annoyed by that blunder as he heads back to his chair. Has been ruthless so far, but Hossein produces a magical black off the side cushion before opening up the reds. What a brave shot that is. Could have cost him the frame, but suddenly has chance to win it.

Maguire 2-1 Carter

Maguire with breaks of 93 and 114 to move two frames clear before Carter dominates the third to register today for the first time.

Trump 2-0 Vafaei (72-67)

A brilliant clearance of 72 from Judd to pinch the frame on the black by five points. Was never in any doubt. Vafaei could easily have led 2-1, but suddenly trails 3-0.

Trump 2-0 Vafaei (0-67)

Not quite over the line for Vafaei as he moves 67 points clear. And another chance for Judd to launch the counter attack.

Trump 2-0 Vafaei (0-54)

Safety error by Trump presents Hossein with another chance to extend his lead in the frame.

Trump 2-0 Vafaei (0-14)

Hossein pushes the boat out by going for a red to right centre early in the third frame, but it doesn't drop. No damage done.

Trump 1-0 Vafaei (70-56)

Superb effort from Trump of 66. What an outstanding clearance under pressure. Doesn't bother with the black. And that is one against the head. A 2-0 lead for Trump in the race to 10. Vafaei with a 56, but it wasn't enough.

Trump 1-0 Vafaei (50-56)

Judd right at the races so far today as he heads to the final red. Lovely positional shot on black to final red in baulk. And this looks like being a seismic steal for Judd.

Trump 1-0 Vafaei (4-56)

Brilliant blue by Vafaei after poking home a red to keep break going. And this looks like being a terrific effort by the Iran showman until a mid-range red stays up heading for yellow pocket across table. So 56, but no more. Chance of a counter attack from Judd.

Trump 1-0 Vafaei (4-0)

Some lovely safety shots being exchanged by both players at the outset of the second frame. Trump one of the finest in the business on the tactical side of matters when the mood takes him. Vafaei left with a red over a top bag to break the deadlock. Which he punches in.

Trump 0-0 Vafaei (94-13)

Breaks of 41 and 63 from the Juddernaut. He moves 1-0 ahead in the race to 10.

Trump 0-0 Vafaei (69-13)

Judd suddenly making a bright start to this match as a mid-range red disappears after he clips home the black over top bag. And looks like 1-0 is incoming. Already up to pace on this slick table.

Trump 0-0 Vafaei (32-13)

Neither man has settled in this opening frame as Judd misses a black off the spot. Nobody expected that. Least not Trump. But he then comes up with a brilliant pot on a long red.

Trump 0-0 Vafaei (9-13)

But he misses a fairly routine red when he looked set to score a few. Chance for Judd that he probably never seen coming.

Trump 0-0 Vafaei (0-7)

A fine response for both players. Trump gets the action moving on the opening day of the tournament as he breaks off. Vafaei goes for a long red, but doesn't drop. Trump then leaves a red over a top bag. Brilliant red and pink combo from Hossein.

BRECEL OPENS UP LEAD

World champion Brecel opens up a 6-3 lead over Gilbert while Jak Jones is 5-2 clear of Zhang Anda.

Fantastic final red helps Brecel to second century of the day

Welcome back to opening day

2019 winner Judd Trump gets his campaign up and running against Hossein Vafaei in this afternoon's action with two-time world finalist Ali Carter up against former UK champion Stephen Maguire. Players due out at back of 2:30pm.

Thanks for joining us

We will back in an hour with Judd Trump taking on Hossein Vafaei and Ali Carter up against Stephen Maguire in two high-quality first-round matches.

Latest: Brecel 6-3 Gilbert

Breaks of 91, 134, 73 and 104 from Luca this morning with Dave contributing 70, 77 and 115. This match not over, but Gilbert will have to make a fast start tonight you suspect.

Gilbert delights with double on blue to make century break

World Snooker Championship schedule - Saturday, April 20

Round one

10:00 (UK time)

Luca Brecel 6-3 David Gilbert
Zhang Anda 2-5 Jak Jones

14:30

Ali Carter 5-3 Stephen Maguire
Judd Trump 6-3 Hossein Vafaei

19:00

Tom Ford v Ricky Walden
Luca Brecel v David Gilbert

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (65-19)

Mistake by Dave to lead a red over a top pocket. Luca slots red, black and red to leave Dave needing a snooker. Luca then sets up a snooker that Gilbert can't escape from. And the handshake comes from the former Crucible semi-finalist. A very productive first session from the world champion, who will need four more frames to reach the last 16 when they resume at 7pm tonight.

Zhang 1-5 Jones

Jak Jones with a break of 58 in the sixth frame, and he is suddenly 5-1 clear of Zhang Anda in the race to 10.

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (52-19)

Another eight points added to the Brecel total after Dave goes for a long red and leaves red near yellow pocket. Luca with a red and black, but just safety to follow. The stodgiest frame of this match so far.

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (44-19)

But the Belgian player ends up going in off after carting in a blue to right centre. Didn't see that coming. Frame still well in the mixer. Four reds still on table.

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (44-0)

Dave trying to squeeze home a tricky red after Luca misses a hopeful blue with deep screw, but can't nudge it into the top right-hand pocket. And a brilliant pink at pace to green bag could be key to a 6-3 lead. That was a fearless pot.

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (22-0)

Would you believe that? Dave with a fine pot on a mid-range red to break the deadlock, but somehow ends up screwing the white into right centre pocket. Is this a turning point in the frame? Brecel thumps in a long pot with hand on table from the d. Difficult table with reds welded to side cushions, but Luca will look to make progress. As he always does.

Zhang 1-4 Jones

A 75 break from Jak Jones in the fifth frame helps the Welshman move 4-1 clear on the other main showpiece table inside the Crucible.

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (6-0)

A rare sustained bout of safety play in this ninth frame of the day. Neither man has been overly bothered about exchanging tactical blows so far.

BRECEL 5-3 GILBERT (6-0)

Tables look to be playing in peak condition this morning. Which bodes well for an attacking exhibition of snooker over the next 17 days. Conditions so vital to the quality of play.

BRECEL 5-2 GILBERT (16-115)

A blistering break of 115 from Dave, the third century of a free-flowing session of snooker with both men showing their class. A huge final frame of the first session coming up. Is it going to be 5-4 or 6-3 before they resume at 7pm tonight? Can't remember much safety being played. A fine way to start the 48th World Championship.

BRECEL 5-2 GILBERT (16-56)

This has been an excellent response by Dave to remain in touch in this contest. Has been on the backfoot, but moves quickly to 50. Brecel left a red with an error, and Dave has stepped in with some real intent.

Fantastic final red helps Brecel to second century of the day

Zhang 1-3 Jones

Not exactly speeding along on the other table. Head for the mid-session with Jak holding a 3-1 advantage. Five more frames to come in that session.

BRECEL 5-2 GILBERT (16-0)

Another wonderful opening red by Luca from distance. Just stroked that home with stun to hold for black. Tricky red down the table to yellow pocket rattles the jaws of the pocket. Doesn't drop, but no damage done.

BRECEL 4-2 GILBERT (66-8)

Brilliant shot from Brecel on blue to come in out and out of baulk to land on the next red. What a superb piece of positional play. And that is going to be the platform for another frame. A 5-2 lead with a knock of 40.

BRECEL 4-2 GILBERT (26-7)

A really scrappy affair in the seventh frame with both men missing balls that you expect to see drop. But Dave then sees a green stay out to the yellow pocket. A shake of the head from Gilbert, who can't really afford to be missing these chances.

BRECEL 3-2 GILBERT (104-22)

Lowest break of the six frames is 70. This match is all about attacking and scoring. Very good to watch. A brilliant break of 104 this time by Brecel, his second of the match, for a 4-2 lead in the race to 10. Three more frames remaining of the first session.

BRECEL 3-2 GILBERT (70-22)

Delightful play by Luca, whose average shot time is only 16 seconds. That missed red by Dave using top spin into the pack is going to prove so costly.

BRECEL 3-2 GILBERT (40-22)

Dave handed another chance to get hand on table in this sixth frame, but breaks down quickly among reds. And he has opened up the pack too. Which spells bad news. Luca looking very interested as he nudges in a tough pink to green bag amid a trademark flurry of pots. Speeds to 39. Looks a very good chance to regain his two-frame lead.

BRECEL 2-2 GILBERT (77-24)

Dave had a dart at getting four snookers, but never really likely on the final red. The 73 break from Brecel sees him get his nose in front by the odd frame in five.

BRECEL 2-2 GILBERT (73-1)

Dave back out from the tea break, leaves a long red and Luca has punished him. Got top side of the baulk line. But out of position on 69. Recovers situation with an excellent cut on red before green slides home to left centre. Misses a red with a rest, but this frame looks all over.

BRECEL 2-2 GILBERT (42-0)

Boys back out then for another five frames, and Luca looking to get back on a roll after losing momentum. Drops in a long red before producing some fine cueing to hammer in a stunned red. Really is a joy to watch when he is in the mood. Races to 42. Looking very decent here among the balls.

Zhang 0-2 Jones

Jak Jones with a break of 55 in the second frame to establish a 2-0 lead.

BRECEL 2-1 GILBERT (19-77)

Some heavy scoring play from both men so far. 77 from the Tamworth man is good enough to level us up. He'll be feeling better about his cuppa at the break.

BRECEL 2-1 GILBERT (19-54)

Well, this would be a real result for Dave if he can get out of this mini session at 2-2. Was hit with a few heavy bombs by Brecel in the opening two frames, but suspect Luca has missed a trick here as his opponent closes in on restoring parity at 2-2.

BRECEL 2-1 GILBERT (15-1)

Well, both men throwing their cues at couple of efforts. Dave has a go at a red from distance that doesn't drop before Luca splatters the reds after trying and failing to force in a red, but somehow doesn't leave an easy starter. Dave then sees a white fly in a top pocket, but Brecel can't nudge in a tough red to left middle. And he has stuck up the red for Dave.

BRECEL 2-0 GILBERT (40-85)

Looks like Gilbert is going to steady the ship with a winning counter punch in this frame. Brecel had his chances, didn't take them and Dave is going to register in this match. A break of 70 from Gilbert, who closes to 2-1 behind.

BRECEL 2-0 GILBERT (40-27)

Dave being handed a few chances to make his presence felt after Luca is miles off a long red. But just failing to really settle down as Brecel quickly returns to the table. 16 this time as Luca misses a red to left centre. So a third chance of the frame for the man dubbed 'The Angry Farmer'. Can he secure his first frame of the day?

BRECEL 2-0 GILBERT (24-8)

91 and 134 from Brecel in the first two frames and he is on the move again in the third frame. Dave yet to really settle out there. Hasn't had a chance. And leaves Luca an easy starter. But he can only make 24 before he butchers a safety shot. Hit a middle jaw running back down the table to baulk, and Dave has his first real chance of this match.

BRECEL 1-0 GILBERT (142-0)

And in goes the century from Luca, who is right on it out there. Brilliant double on yellow to keep the break going. And a 134 total clearance from Brecel is impeccable. Dave yet to pot a ball in this match.

BRECEL 1-0 GILBERT (66-0)

Brecel continuing his march towards another quick kill in the second frame. Early chance of a maximum, but forced to take a pink to right centre to quell those prospects. Still, this is very, very bright indeed from Luca. Drops in a wonderful red to left middle. Into a blind pocket. Very impressive. Should be a 2-0 lead on the cards.

BRECEL 1-0 GILBERT (25-0)

Looks like Brecel has never been away from this venue. First to the punch in the second frame, and picking up from where he left off last year. Just striking the cue ball with real sense of authority.

BRECEL 0-0 GILBERT (108-0)

This has been a blistering start by Brecel. Could be a century straight off the bat here. 91 break, but a tough blue doesn't drop. No matter. Exceptional level of play from Luca, who leads 1-0.

BRECEL 0-0 GILBERT (46-0)

Dave very unfortunate to see the green fly in potting a red, but Brecel is not hanging about as he opens up the reds via the green seconds later. Brilliant shot by the Belgian player, who then smashes open more reds off a red with the rest. What a shot that is. Nothing difficult on this table now.

BRECEL 0-0 GILBERT (6-0)

Out comes the leading four men for this morning's action. Luca bouncing down the old stairs. Gilbert with an early error to leave a red over a left hand middle bag. Chance then for Luca to get hand on table. But only makes six before a tough red to centre stays out. A settling in period. Nine frames to be play in this first session.

LUCA BRECEL CONQUERS CRUCIBLE

A reminder of the moment Luca Brecel became Belgium's first world champion a year ago.

Brecel clinches 'sensational' maiden world title against Selby at Crucible

'THE GREATEST SHOWMAN' - WHO ARE THE TOP 10 CRUCIBLE HEADLINE SNOOKER ACTS?

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has been home to the World Snooker Championship since 1977, producing some of the greatest matches, magic and memories from genuine icons, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Alex Higgins. So where do these giants of the green baize rank in terms of creating interest in the tournament watched by millions worldwide? Read more here

Good morning

A huge day ahead as the 48th World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield gets moving at 10am with world champion Luca Brecel taking on David Gilbert, a semi-finalist at the fabled venue back in 2019. International champion Zhang Anda faces 2023 quarter-finalist Jak Jones on the other main table this morning. Boys on baize imminently.