Selby leaves a red over the corner pocket in the early stages of the third frame. O'Sullivan then cannons into the pack and Selby's poor start could soon be getting even worse.

O'Sullivan looks like he means business today and that is bad news for the man from the East Midlands. The Jester From Leicester is not in any mood to be smiling at the moment.

But Selby cannot capitalise on O'Sullivan's mistake. He misjudges a pot and loses position. O'Sullivan is in no mood to give his opponent a second chance and it quickly becomes 2-0.

The second frame of the match was 13 minutes and four seconds, in comparison to 15 minutes 44 seconds for the first frame. The highest break was just 37 by O'Sullivan.

Ronnie O'Sullivan 2-0 Mark Selby (64-26)

After a near-flawless opening 20 minutes from O'Sullivan, he has the second frame in his grasp but a missed plant on the deciding red gives Selby a glimmer of hope in the second frame and a chance to find some confidence and rhythm.

John Virgo
BBC Sport snooker commentator

"The one thing you cannot do early on in the match is miss easy balls."

Selby is sitting in his chair and has been punished for any mistake he has made so far. Two early misses in the second frame give O'Sullivan a chance to quickly double his lead.

Langaz:, external Ronnie's safety was impeccable in that frame and then followed it up with a great break. Selby needs to react quickly.

Antony McAlinden:, external The sheer natural talent of Ronnie O'Sullivan is unbelievable. The things that man can do when he picks up that cue!

Andrew McQuarrie:, external Not really a fan of his, but can't deny that Ronnie O'Sullivan is a phenomenon. What a player.

Ken Doherty
Former world champion on BBC TV

"It was absolutely marvellous. There were so many shots in the break, it was an incredible start by Ronnie. That was top drawer. He's made plenty of century breaks but that was just as good."

O'Sullivan takes the first frame and Selby fails to pot a ball in the opening frame. O'Sullivan is quickly up and running.

Some stats for you. Pot success - O'Sullivan 96% (22 out of 23), Selby 0% (0 out of 1). Safety - O'Sullivan 100% (nine out of nine)

Ronnie O'Sullivan 1-0 Mark Selby (77-0, O'Sullivan 69)

Image source, PA

O'Sullivan opts to play safe after a break of 69, with Selby needing one snooker. Selby was involved in a draining semi-final yesterday when he eventually defeated Neil Robertson 17-15. O'Sullivan has put his foot straight on the accelerator in the final.

The first half-century break is rattled up in quick time by Ronnie O'Sullivan. This could soon be 1-0. The reds are spread out and it is looking like a dream start for the defending champion.

John Virgo
BBC Sport snooker commentator

"It's usual to have a cagey start and get the cue working. But at the moment Ronnie's safety play is absolutely perfect."

It took seven minutes for the first ball to be potted after a tense safety exchange to start things off. But Selby misjudges an effort and leaves O'Sullivan with the first chance.

Ronnie O'Sullivan has won 26 ranking titles during his career, compared to only three from Selby. They have met in six finals during their career with three wins apiece.

The last time they played in a final came in January's Masters, which O'Sullivan won by a 10-4 margin. Will we see a repeat here?

John Virgo
BBC Sport snooker commentator

"What a match-up we have got. The next two days are all about the trophy."

Phil Mynes:, external As much I love Ronnie, I reckon it's Selby's year and I'd gladly see him lift the trophy. Either way, this'll be a classic match.

Chris Painter:, external Selby got to all the triple crown finals (UK Championship, Masters and World Championship) this season, hopefully he can win the world title. COME ON MARK (supported him for years).

Ed Guttridge:, external Hope this is a classic final. Can't not get behind Ronnie but it would be brilliant to see Selby win it.

Both players get fantastic receptions as they make their way into the Crucible arena. The venue may hold only about 1,000 people, but it is packed and produces a sensational atmosphere for both players.

Selby is first in, before Ronnie O'Sullivan receives a hero's welcome. Master of ceremonies Rob Walker calls O'Sullivan "the most exciting player to have ever graced the game".

Both players shake hands and we are under way.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC TV

"A bit has been made of Ronnie having a day off but it can work both ways. It depends on who had the better night's sleep last night."

John Parrott
Former world champion on BBC TV

"It's an absolutely fantastic contest and I can't wait for it to start. They will both have enormous respect for each other. It could be a crucial session, Ronnie will be looking for a foothold in this match."

So what do some of our pundits make of the final? Let's find out.

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