This is one of those fairly common scenarios we have got used to over the last few days. Efforts that would puzzle us mere mortals, but time and time again both players are finding ways of getting out of these situations. It is not to everyone's liking, but the safety play has been absolutely sensational.

Image source, BBC Sport

Here we go then, just look at some of these shots from the last 15 days. You can vote for your favourite using the 'vote' tab on your mobile at the top of this page, or using the poll to the left hand side if you're on desktop. You have until 19:00 BST to make your decision. 

About 10 minutes ago I asked if Ding was going to convert his chance. The answer was an emphatic no. Selby is now at the table, five points adrift still a long way from the finish line in the 19th frame.

David: Come on Selby! Bring the trophy back to us here in Leicester!

Gaz Elliot: Oh yes. Here we go. 4 hours on the couch in front of snooker on the BBC. Come Ding Junhui.

Katherine R: On sofa, drinking tea, watching the snooker - living the bank holiday dream.

The first frame of the day was a thing of beauty with Ding's break of 89. This is far more scrappy with a cluster of reds lurking on the left side of the table as the television cameras look.

Image source, BBC Sport

But Ding has his game-face on today and then sinks another long pot. Is he going to convert this chance?

Ding's long red helped him to set up a break of 89 to win the first frame of the third session. 

Watch it again in all its glory here...

As always you have a big part to play in our coverage. We want your thoughts and emotions during the final.

Also, we want you to send us pictures of any snooker memorabilia that you have collected over the years.

Do you have a signed picture of Tony Knowles that takes pride of place on the mantelpiece? What about any banners, flags, T-shirts you may have made when watching or going to snooker (yes, we're still loving the Terry Griffiths jumper from yesterday).

Any worthless pieces of snooker tat, like these ton-up banners, then we want to see them. Tweet us using #bbcsnooker or via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Image source, BBC Sport

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre

You see some familiar faces in the Crucible crowd each year and this is Vinny and his son Akshay who have been attending for the last four years.

They come all the way from Hounslow but the front row seats makes it all the worthwhile.

Vinny says he loves the tactical side of snooker, as well as the concentration the players have to put in.

"Mark Selby will win the match but I hope it's close," he says. "Ding Junhui will come out firing in the afternoon session though."

"It will finish 18-14 to Selby," says young Akshay, although his favourite player Judd Trump is not in the final.

Maybe next year.

Ding can look at the recent past for some inspiration as Stuart Bingham was trailing after the first day of the final last year and won the title. As was Mark Selby in 2014 and John Higgins in 2011.

Image source, BBC Sport

A sloppy start from Selby with two missed pots, and it costs him the first frame of the session. Ding needed a good start and that is just what he gets. A break of 89 and it is quickly 10-8. He looked on course for the 84th century of the tournament, but went in-off when pocketing the pink (see below).

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get the supplies in, get comfy on the sofa, we have a match on. This is going to be a great afternoon and evening.

And that frame for Ding means that we will definitely be having an evening session later on.

We are only four centuries away from beating the record number during the world championship. We've had 83 so far this year, the best came last year with 86. 

Image source, BBC Sport

Yesterday's play was great and enthralling, but we were missing one thing - a few good celebrities spotted in the crowd.

Well, we've started strongly today in that sense with Manchester United legend Roy Keane in the crowd at the Crucible.

Image source, BBC Sport

Paul Thompson: Finished last night's session on a Monday morning and here we go again on a Monday afternoon! Will it finish on Tuesday?

Mindez: Third session time. Let's see some more hours and more frames!

Elizabeth M Hughes: Settling down for a great afternoon of BBC Snooker. Wonder what surprise and delight awaits us...?

Ding's break comes to an abrupt halt on 32 when he gets unlucky as he loses position. Fans of those safety battles, and boy were there some epic ones yesterday, your time has come, so sit back and enjoy.

Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two

Mark Selby looked absolutely shattered towards the end of the first day's play, struggling to keep his eyes open at times.

It is a tired-looking start from Selby as he misses an early blue to give Ding a very early chance in the opener.

Before they came out into the arena, the players got in some last-minute practice.

"This is the theatre of sporting dreams", says Rob Walker as he introduces the players to the crowd.

"This is the most important session of his career with millions willing him to win from the other side of the world," Walker goes on, just in case Ding wasn't sure already.

Nothing like sticking more pressure on a man before he starts.

Just click that play icon at the top of the page to watch live BBC Two coverage from Hazel and the gang. 

Image source, BBC Sport

Miss any of the action yesterday? Hope you've got a good excuse!

But no problem. Watch this and you can see a very quick catch-up from a tough and tiring day one.