Wilson leads in first match of world title defence

Halo World Championship

Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre Dates: April 19 to May 5

In his first match of defending his world title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, reigning champion Kyren Wilson leads Lei Peifan 6-3.

With Crucible debutant Lei, 21, leading by 2-0, the world number two twice missed blacks off the spot in the second frame.

The 33-year-old Englishman made a 136 break in the eighth frame to complete three of the previous three half-centuries, winning six more in a row.

After Wilson missed a pink trying to get position on a tricky final red, Chinese qualifier Lei pinched the session’s final frame to give himself a chance to make a comeback.

If Wilson makes it to round two, he will face Zhao Xintong, a former UK Champion, or Jak Jones, the player he defeated in the 2024 final.

Wilson wants to end what has come to be known as the “crucible curse,” which no first-time winner has won the title since 1977 when it was relocated to Sheffield.

The other match scheduled for Saturday morning will be ruled by world number 14 Xiao Guodong.

In the opening nine frames, Xiao and Matthew Selt each recorded two century breaks, but the Chinese player will have a 7-2 advantage heading into Sunday’s concluding session.

10:00

14:30

19:00