Brecel kicks off World Championship defence against Gilbert, O’Sullivan to face Page

Brecel kicks off World Championship defence against Gilbert, O’Sullivan to face Page

Luca Brecel will begin the defence of his World Snooker Championship against Dave Gilbert at the Crucible Theatre, which runs from April 20 to May 6.

Brecel will be attempting to do what no first-time winner has ever done and defend his title but he faces stiff opposition as the biggest names gather in the Steel City.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will be going for a record eighth world crown and has been drawn against Jackson Page in the first round.

Elsewhere, world No. 2 and 2019 champion Judd Trump takes on Hossein Vafaei in a potential blockbuster encounter.

Another thriller on paper features Ding Junhui and Jack Lisowski, while there is also an all-Leicester clash between four-time champion Mark Selby and Joe O’Connor.

You can watch all the action and enjoy expert analysis and reaction live on Eurosport and discovery+.
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Brecel clinches ‘sensational’ maiden world title against Selby at Crucible

Round one draw

  • Luca Brecel v David Gilbert
  • Ronnie O’Sullivan v Jackson Page
  • Judd Trump v Hossein Vafaei
  • Mark Allen v Robbie Williams
  • Mark Selby v Joe O’Connor
  • Mark Williams v Si Jiahui
  • Ding Junhui v Jack Lisowski
  • Shaun Murphy v Lyu Haotian
  • Ali Carter v Stephen Maguire
  • Gary Wilson v Stuart Bingham
  • Zhang Anda v Jak Jones
  • Kyren Wilson v Dominic Dale
  • John Higgins v Jamie Jones
  • Tom Ford v Ricky Walden
  • Barry Hawkins v Ryan Day
  • Robert Milkins v Pang Junxu
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