2024 champion Kyren Wilson knocked out 10-9 by Chinese qualifier Lei Peifan
Barry Hawkins leads Hossein Vafaei 5-4 at end of session on day one
First-round matches are best of 19 frames
Wilson 0-1 Lei
Kyren Wilson reduces the deficit but misses a double into the middle pocket and Lei Peifan returns to clinch the first frame of the match.
First to 10 wins, so still a long way to go, but that will surely settle the Crucible debutant.
Wilson 0-0 Lei
Lei Peifan has potted his way out of positional trouble on a few occasions during his opening break, which is up to 51 when he tries to split the pack of reds.
The black drops but it's not the best split and he'll go back to his seat with a lead of 53 points - there are 75 still available.
Wilson 0-0 Lei
Image source, Getty ImagesKyren Wilson's first-round opponent is Lei Peifan of China, who is making his Crucible debut after coming through qualifying earlier this week.
The 21-year-old is ranked 39th in the world and caused a major surprise in December by winning the Scottish Open, his first ranking title.
He is one of 10 Chinese players in the 32-man field.
Not the greatest start from Lei - he knocks the blue into the corner pocket from his break-off shot - although Wilson wobbles a mid-distance red in the jaws and it doesn't drop.
Image source, Getty ImagesFor the first time in this year's World Championship, MC Rob Walker gets the Crucible crowd rocking and ready to welcome the players.
There isn't a spare seat to be had.
Kyren Wilson is all smiles as he is the final player of the four to be introduced and he gets a wonderful reception as he prepares to begin the defence of his world title.
A reminder that you can watch BBC Two coverage and live action from both tables by clicking the "Watch and listen" tab at the top of this page.
John Parrott
1991 world champion on BBC Two
Will people stop asking me in the street who's going to win?! Because I have absolutely no idea!
It's wide open, the matches are brilliant.
The match between Jak Jones and Zhao Xintong is one I want to watch - I think they're two of the best young players on the circuit and I think that could be a corker.
If Kyren Wilson wins his first-round match, he'll face either Jones - the man he beat in last year's final - or former UK Championship winner Zhao in round two.
Steve Davis
Six-time world champion on BBC Two
As the year has unfolded, we've been saying "this person could be world champion" but the trouble is - it's all about form. You can't switch it on and off like a light bulb.
You hope when you come in that you hit the ground running, because your first-round match is now very tough.
Wilson v Lei
Image source, Getty ImagesThe extra pressure of being the reigning world champion has not weighed heavily on Kyren Wilson over the past 12 months.
He has won four ranking titles this season, including the Players Championship in March.
In the Triple Crown events, he got to the semi-finals of the UK Championship and went one better at the Masters, but lost in the final to Shaun Murphy.
Wilson v Lei
Defending champion Kyren Wilson on the Crucible "curse":
"I think it's just coincidence really. At some point it will be broken and hopefully it's this year, and I will never have to hear the word 'curse' again.
"Obviously people have come back and won it after the second year, and players like (Ken) Doherty and (Joe) Johnson got to the final and got close.
"I want to win multiple world titles and this year I've got another shot at it. It just so happens it’s the year after I've won it for the first time.
"You've got to be confident because you're already fighting against the odds. I know what it takes to win this tournament. I've got a good record here, I've always been pretty solid, and someone is going to have to play well to beat me."
Wilson v Lei
Watch the best shots as Wilson beats Jones to world title
Kyren Wilson lost to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the 2020 final but finally got his hands on the World Championship trophy last year, beating Welshman Jak Jones 18-14 in the final.
The 33-year-old is aiming to become the first player to break what has become known as the "Crucible curse".
Since the World Championship moved to Sheffield in 1977, no first-time winner has successfully defended their title in the following year.
BBC Two
There are three sessions of play on most days during the World Championship, and two tables in play up until the semi-final stage.
The match involving defending champion Kyren Wilson will be the main focus of our text updates this morning, but we will keep you across this morning's other match - China's Xiao Guodong against England's Matthew Selt.
Both matches are available to watch live using the coverage options at the top of this page, where you can also find a link to the start of today's coverage on BBC Two.
BBC Radio 5 Live will also be providing regular updates from the Crucible Theatre throughout the 17-day tournament.
All first-round matches are best of 19 frames
10:00 BST
14:30 BST
19:00 BST
*match to be played to a finish
Image source, PA MediaIt is a stage on which stars are made and snooker dreams are realised.
For nearly 50 years, the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has played host to some of the most dramatic moments in the sport's history.
The 2025 edition of the World Snooker Championship gets under way in a few minutes, with defending champion Kyren Wilson in action in the tournament's first session.
The 17-day marathon to crown a champion on 5 May is set to begin...
BBC Sport
Watch the best shots from the World Snooker Championships
BBC Sport
The 2025 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
BBC Sport has comprehensive live coverage of the championship on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, while every match will be shown in full on iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.
The final takes place over two days starting on Sunday 4 May.
To read the full guide for draws, results and coverage, click here.
Image source, Getty Images
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Why get into snooker, billiards and pool?
They are non-contact, indoor sports which can be played competitively or socially.
Who is it for?
Snooker, billiards & pool are skilful games that can be played by anyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.
Is there a cheap option?
Many clubs allow you to borrow equipment and membership fees can be inexpensive.
Is it good for my health and wellbeing?
Cue sports provide a fun and sociable way to stay active, improve your concentration and increase your strength and muscle control.
Can I take it to another level?
Once you've mastered the skills, you could enter local league matches and amateur level competitions across the country.
Is there a disability option?
Cue sports are very inclusive as the rules and equipment are the same for able-bodied and disabled players.
Is there a family option?
Many clubs welcome junior members. You can also play in teams and use a handicap scoring system.
Snooker, billiards and pool all offer different challenges, but from pubs to clubs to competition, they offer an accessible option for anyone hoping to pick up a cue.
It shouldn't be hard to find somewhere to hone your skills. What's more, an official snooker club finder, external was launched in 2018 to help you find the perfect place to play.
'One of the best shots I've ever seen!' Brecel takes the opener with a sensational pot