Luca Brecel finds form as World Championship title defence begins

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENCE: Luca Brecel leads Dave Gilbert after the opening session of their World Championship match in Sheffield. Pic: Richard Sellers/PA

Defending champion Luca Brecel looked set to defy expectations after building a 6-3 lead over qualifier David Gilbert in the opening session of World Championship first round match at the Crucible.

The Belgian headed back to Sheffield having spent much of the last 12 months enjoying the rewards of his stunning 2023 success and made it clear he felt qualifier Gilbert, a semi-finalist in 2019, would start as favourite.