Luca Brecel started his World Snooker Championship title defence on a high note, taking a 6-3 lead over David Gilbert in the tournament opener. The reigning champion showcased his skills from the beginning, with a break of 91 in the first frame followed by a dominant century break of 134. Despite Gilbert’s efforts to claw back, Brecel managed to maintain a two-frame lead going into the mid-interval session.
After the break, Brecel continued to impress, capitalizing on errors from Gilbert to extend his lead. A well-executed final red shot helped him secure his second century break of the match and regain a comfortable two-frame buffer. Despite some scrappy play in the seventh frame, Brecel’s strategic positioning and shot-making prowess allowed him to maintain his advantage at 5-2. Gilbert managed to narrow the gap with a century break, but Brecel responded by stretching his lead once more in a long-winded ninth frame.
The match between Brecel and Gilbert will continue in the final session on Saturday, with Brecel holding a three-frame lead. Viewers can watch the action live on Eurosport and discovery+. Brecel’s strong start to his title defence sets the stage for an exciting and competitive tournament, with the reigning champion showcasing his skills and determination on the Crucible baize. As the competition progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments and intense battles between the world’s top snooker players.
