World Snooker Championship 2024 LIVE: Watch Luca Brecel v David Gilbert & Tom Ford v Ricky Walden

Summary

Round One - Best of 19 frames
RESULT: David Gilbert beats 2023 champion Luca Brecel 10-9
END OF SESSION: Tom Ford 6-3 Ricky Walden
END OF SESSION: Zhang Anda 2-5 Jak Jones
END OF SESSION: Ali Carter 5-4 Stephen Maguire
END OF SESSION: Judd Trump 6-3 Hossein Vafaei

Live Reporting

Can Trump triumph again in Sheffield?published at 14:28 British Summer Time 20 April
Trump v Vafaei (Sat, 14:30 BST)
Image source, BBC Sport
When Judd Trump claimed his first world crown in 2019 it looked as though he was capable of being the man to go on and dominate the sport.
No fewer than 14 ranking titles have followed - including five this year alone - but with the exception of the 2023 Masters, the coveted Triple Crown events have remained elusive.
Trump, who lost to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the 2022 final, undoubtedly has the talent to become a multiple world champion, but will he be able to see it through this time around?
Who can stop 'favourite' O'Sullivan at the Crucible?published at 14:27 British Summer Time 20 April
Trump v Vafaei (Sat, 14:30 BST)
Michael Emons
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre
Image source, Getty Images
Judd Trump says anything other than winning the 2024 World Championship would be "a failure", but thinks Ronnie O'Sullivan is the tournament favourite.
World number one O'Sullivan is looking to win the Crucible title for a record-breaking eighth time while Trump, ranked second, won the event in 2019.
Trump plays on Saturday's opening day, against Iran's Hossein Vafaei, while O'Sullivan has to wait until Wednesday.
"All the greats have managed to win the worlds multiple times," said Trump, 34.
"It's different to be playing on the first day, so nice to get involved in the tournament straight away. It has been a good season and I feel a lot more confident than last year."
Read more
O'Sullivan 'the man to beat' as he chases record eighth titlepublished at 14:27 British Summer Time 20 April
O'Sullivan v Page (Weds, 14:30 BST)
Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport
Image source, BBC Sport
Ronnie O'Sullivan says it will be his "best season ever" if he can claim a record eighth World Championship title in the modern era.
O'Sullivan faces Jackson Page in the first round at the Crucible in a match that begins on Wednesday.
The 48-year-old is aiming to win his sixth title this term and become only the fourth player to win all three Triple Crown events in a season.
"I have just pitched up, played and got it right," O'Sullivan told BBC Sport.
"I haven't got this masterplan where I've plotted it out. If I did win it this year it would have to be my best season ever considering I have only played 11 events. They are the key events that I have won."
Alongside the UK Championship and the Masters, O'Sullivan has also enjoyed success in the Shanghai Masters, World Grand Prix and the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker during the current campaign.
Widely regarded as snooker's greatest ever player, the Englishman will also have the opportunity to win a record-extending 42nd career ranking title in Sheffield, while he has only once before, in 2000-01, won six events in a season.
Read more
Jones takes control against Zhangpublished at 14:26 British Summer Time 20 April
Zhang 2-5 Jones
In Saturday morning's other match Jak Jones has opened up a 5-2 lead over 11th seed Zhang Anda.
China's Zhang is enjoying his best ever campaign having secured his first ever ranking title at the International Championship and reaching a couple of other finals.
Welshman Jones, reached the quarter-finals on his debut last year and beat Zhang at the Welsh Open in February.
Reigning champion Brecel leads Gilbert after opening sessionpublished at 14:23 British Summer Time 20 April
Brecel 6-3 Gilbert
Image source, Getty Images
Now then, 12 months ago this fella swept all before him.
The 'Belgian Bullet' Luca Brecel became just the fourth non-British winner at the Crucible and the first overseas player to triumph since Neil Robertson in 2010, when he triumphed against Mark Selby.
Brecel's swashbuckling style endeared him to fans across the world, in particular after the manner of his famous victories over Ronnie O'Sullivan and Si Jiahui on his run to the final.
And he is up and running again, taking a 6-3 lead over David Gilbert in Saturday's opening session.
You can read our report on that here.
Postpublished at 14:20 British Summer Time 20 April
Image source, Getty Images
It's day one of 17 as the world's best players face the ultimate test to get their hands on this beauty (and a pretty hefty top prize of £500,000).
The unmistakable World Championship trophy was first bought by the great Joe Davis in 1926 for just £19.00.
This afternoon, one of the favourites to lift this famous piece of silverware, Judd Trump, gets under way against Hossein Vafaei.
What happened at last year's World Championship?published at 17:47 British Summer Time 18 April
BBC Sport
Media caption,
Best of Luca Brecel as he beats Mark Selby in 2023 World Snooker Championship final
World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan will bid for a record eighth title when the World Championship gets under way at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.
O'Sullivan, 48, beat Judd Trump in 2022 to match Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles but lost in the quarter-finals last year to eventual winner Luca Brecel.
Former champions Judd Trump and Mark Williams are also among the favourites.
The championship takes place from 20 April to 6 May and is live on the BBC.
How can I watch the Snooker World Championships?published at 17:46 British Summer Time 18 April
All times in BST and subject to change
BBC iPlayer
The BBC brings coverage from every day of every round of the 2024 Snooker World Championships at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Saturday 20th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC One, BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Sunday 21st April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Monday 22nd April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Tuesday 23rd April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Wednesday 24th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Thursday 25th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Friday 26th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Saturday 27th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC One, BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Sunday 28th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Monday 29th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Tuesday 30th April
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Wednesday 1st May
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Thursday 2nd May
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Friday 3rd May
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC Four, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Saturday 4th May
Day Session (10:00 – 18:00) – coverage available via BBC One, BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:30) - coverage available via BBC Two, Red Button, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Sunday 5th May
Day Session (13:00 – 16:15) – coverage available via BBC Two, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:00) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Monday 6th May
Day Session (13:00 – 16:15) – coverage available via BBC Two, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Evening Session (19:00 – 22:00) - coverage available via BBC Two, BBC IPlayer & the BBC Sport website.
Get Inspired - How to get into snookerpublished at 17:46 British Summer Time 18 April
Get Inspired
#GetInspired
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.
Whether you choose to play competitively or socially, snooker is sure to get your brain working.
It requires skill and concentration and will improve your focus and hand-eye coordination. Anyone can play regardless of age, gender or ability and it's not an expensive sport to get into.
Snooker is essentially a simple sport, once the rules of the game have been learnt - to do just that click here., external
And a great way to start taking part in snooker is through a local snooker club.
English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards provides a club finder, external to locate your local snooker venue.
To find a club in other areas of the UK please contact the national snooker federations of Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Media caption,
Get Inspired: How World Snooker is helping build confidence in the community
Disability Snooker
World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) is an organisation that was formed to open up opportunities for players of all disabilities: physical, intellectual and sensory.
WDBS operates as a subsidiary of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and has held several events in the UK - for more information click here, external.
Also, the British Wheelchair Pool Players Association (BWPPA) organises domestic events for wheelchair players, and their players attend international tournaments where they compete alongside able-bodied players. Find out more here., external
Junior Cue Sports
Many clubs offer junior sections with sessions in the evening or at the weekend. There are also junior leagues and competitions you can get involved in. In England, junior players can get in touch with their local affiliated club, external.