World Snooker Championship: Mark Allen leads Jimmy Robertson 5-4 in Sheffield

Mark Allen recovered from a deficit to lead going into Monday's second session

Mark Allen came from 4-2 behind to lead Jimmy Robertson 5-4 after the opening session of their first round World Championship match in Sheffield.

Robertson knocked in breaks of 60 and 86 to go 2-0 up and led 55-0 in the next only for 11th seed Allen to make a 63 clearance to reduce his arrears.

The Sussex man won the fourth frame but Allen hit back with a 105 to trail 3-2.

A break of 78 gave Robertson frame six, but Allen took the next two, before winning the last with a century break.

Robertson, who has lost in the first round on his two previous appearances at the Crucible Theatre, compiled a 61 in winning frame four.

The seventh was a scrappy affair but Northern Irishman Allen cleared from yellow to pink to level at 4-4.

An even 100 in the ninth saw the Antrim man enjoy a narrow advantage going into Monday evening's second session.

The winner will play John Higgins or Martin Gould in the second round.