Mark Selby avoids becoming fifth ex-world champion to exit in first round at Crucible

World number one Mark Selby held off a spirited fightback from Robert Milkins to secure his passage through to the second round of the Betfred World Championship.

The Crucible had already witnessed four former world champions exit in the first round, with Graeme Dott, Stuart Bingham, Peter Ebdon and Shaun Murphy all leaving Sheffield early, and Selby was in danger of becoming another victim.