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7 months ago
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Reigning victor Luca Brecel was knocked out of the World Snooker Championship on the first day after losing 9-10 to world number 31 David Gilbert.
The Belgian had been 6-3 up after the first session but a scorching comeback by Englishman Gilbert, who produced a match-winning break of 65, saw the Crucible curse continue on Saturday.
No first-time winner of the World Snooker Championship has ever gone on to retain their title since the tournament moved to the Crucible in Sheffield in 1977.
Meanwhile, Judd Trump is desperate for a second World Championship title and looked impressive in moving 6-3 ahead against Hossein Vafaei in their first round clash.
Trump has had another brilliant season, with five tournament wins, but this is the one he wants most of all.
Luca Brecel was knocked out of the World Snooker Championship on day one by David Gilbert
World number 31 Gilbert came from behind to set up a second-round clash with either Robert Milkins or Pang Junxu
Judd Trump has moved 6-3 ahead against Hossein Vafaei to open his World Snooker Championship campaign
Iran’s Vafaei was under pressure but has given himself a fighting chance to overturn the score
The Bristolian won the first frame with a break of 63 and pinched the second and third with clearances of 66 and 72.
Iran’s Vafaei was under pressure, but stopped the rot with a break of 60 before Trump made it 4-1 with a 56. Vafaei then sparkled with a superb effort of 138.
Trump responded with a 77 for 5-2 and soon made it 6-2. Vafaei desperately needed the final frame of the session, which he took with a 74.
Elsewhere, twice runner-up Ali Carter edged 5-4 ahead of Stephen Maguire, while Jak Jones leads Zhang Anda 5-2.
Off the table, talk is still being dominated by the uncertain future of the Crucible Theatre as the tournament venue when its contract ends in 2027.
English (US)