Mark Selby launches snooker World Championship title defence against Fergal O'Brien
Ronnie O'Sullivan faces Gary Wilson in his opener
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mark Selby will launch his Betfred World Championship title defence against an opponent who was accused of playing anti-snooker to reach the Crucible.
Ireland's Fergal O'Brien was part of a world record on Wednesday night when he won the longest frame in the history of professional snooker.
He needed two hours, three minutes and 41 seconds to win a decider against David Gilbert and book his place in the main draw.
The frame lasted 44 seconds longer than Kenyan athlete Dennis Kipruto's marathon world record, and Gilbert was upset by the ponderous tactics employed by O'Brien.
"The pace of play was diabolical from pretty much start to finish, and it wasn't me," Gilbert said.
Asked if it felt gruelling, Gilbert said: "It's worse than that - that's not snooker."
O'Brien responded to the criticism by saying: "In future would I like to play like that again? Absolutely not.
"Did I overplay shots, did I double-check stuff? Probably yes, but such was the pressure."
O'Brien had fancied landing a draw against Selby, who last year beat Ding Junhui in the final to add to his 2014 triumph, and their match will begin at 10am on Saturday as the tournament gets under way.
The 45-year-old Dubliner said of Selby: "He's a fantastic player. It's always a special occasion, with the defending champion coming back on the Saturday and playing all day Saturday as is the tradition. Happy days."
Ronnie O'Sullivan last landed the world title when achieving back-to-back successes in 2012 and 2013, and the five-time champion will face Wallsend cueman Gary Wilson in his opener. Wilson is one of five debutants in the draw.
Wilson, 31, said: "It is a great draw for me. It will be a massive and passionate crowd, millions watching on TV and you couldn't have asked for a better one in many ways.
"I will just be going out to enjoy it and it doesn't bother me that it is a big name. I know what I am capable of and if I play well and score heavily I can cause an upset.
"I like that kind of venue, I think of it like a working men's club like I am used to playing at up in the north-east. A two-table set-up and old guys sitting round in chairs!
"It is a dream to be playing at the Crucible for the first time."
The 17-day tournament runs to May 1, and the champion will collect record prize money of £375,000.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments