Sunday, 1st Round, Afternoon Snooker: World Championship

HAZEL IRVINE: Good afternoon and a happy Easter to you. I am sure there

are a constant on with the kids around the country right now. There

is one. Here, we are seeking something rather different. The

identity of this year's Betfred world champion. We won't reveal that

until Monday first may. It looks like Mark Selby is in the mood to

keep collecting world titles. What a start to the defence he made

yesterday. He is the current world number one,

the defending world champion, the Jester from Leicester, Mark Selby.

CHEERING Played across double, got it.

APPLAUSE This looks a great shot. This is a

great shot. Good cueing. Right in the heart of

the pocket. He really couldn't have struck that any better. But it's

there. Mark Selby, in the end is a comfortable winner and gets through

to the second round, 10-2. Happy to get through to the next

round, happy with the scoreline. Performance, I am not happy with. I

wasn't killing the frames off in one visit like I like to. I kept running

out of position or losing focus and missing a silly ball. But overall,

happy with the result on and through to the next round.

10- to dismantling of Fergal O'Brien. Fergal is a tough, battle

hardened competitor, as well as a top rope. The clinical nature of his

win says much about Selby's form coming back here to vent his title.

He will go back home for Easter to be with his family, and will be in

round two next Saturday. But there is a lot of snooker to be played

between then and now, starting this afternoon. It will be a full engine

restart for the Rocket. Those engines spluttered a big

yesterday, from 5-1, Ronnie O'Sullivan is one ahead going into

the concluding session this afternoon.

His 31-year-old opponent, Gary Wilson, gamely fought back in that

match. The newcomer looks a cool and confident customer. Fabulous

first-time winner in 2015, Stuart Bingham fell to the Crucible curse

in round one last year. This year, he fights off another irresistible

force, Peter Ebdon, the 2002 champion, back for a 24th campaign

in Sheffield. He what we have got an offer from the Crucible this

afternoon. Sullivan and Wilson played to a

finish in their match, and Bingham and Ebdon start out in their opening

session. With 13 world titles between them, Stephen Hendry and

Steve Davis. Very interesting so far, emphatic victories for Mark

Selby and Stephen Maguire, we thought Ronnie O'Sullivan was

heading for one at 5-1, but some of the composure and character for Gary

Wilson to come back. From the perspective of the perspective, a

potential banana skin for the top seeds, especially if your opponent

starts to enjoy himself in the arena. That is what Gary Wilson did.

Was watching the action unfold, and Gary Wilson did so well by the end

of the session to relax and enjoy the process. Interesting, Steve. You

are in the papers this morning, Ronnie, the way he is paying, I

wouldn't give him a Jos of winning this, he needs to improve. In what

respect? The papers have made it more black and white and what I

said. He had a century yesterday, 122. Snooker perfection. In a lot of

the other friend, he was fighting with cue control, unlike Ronnie. It

would break down at 40 or 50. He has not played his best for months,

let's be frank. A lot of people don't like you to criticise Ronnie,

but he hasn't. He knows that. Three matches at the qualifiers at the

quiz will will stand Gary Wilson in good stead, but the second session

of this match may be even harder for him than the first. Perhaps a few

more people are saying to him that he can win it. The levels of

expectation will go up a fraction. What a bruise of this is, Stuart

Bingham and Peter Ebdon. Peter Ebdon, 24th campaign, never say die.

How dangerous at 46 years of age can he be? If he can play his best, he

is a dangerous opponent for Stuart Bingham. He hasn't done that in a

main arena for a long time, so I expect Stuart Bingham to come

through the match. But Peter Ebdon is a tough draw to get. You had to

scrape him off the table. With the can play the same standard used to

play, that remains to be seen. Stuart Bingham, 21 months went by

between his world title in 3015 and another win at the Welsh Open a

couple years ago. Once you become a world champion and establish

yourself as a top player -- in 2015. The level of expectation is there

again. A bit of respite with Wales, but now this, this is where he has

performed before. He has to do it again. He is up against a player

that can win ugly, and that is tough. We look forward to that.

Those matches get underway at 2:30 five. Time to bring you up-to-date

with what has happened in the morning session. It has been

eventful. Shaun Murphy, 2005 champion, the last qualifier to ever

win the title. And the new big thing in snooker, Yan Bingtao, born in

2000, 17 years of age. This was the opening session, great standard when

we left it on BBC Two. Three times already, Murphy 4-2 in front. They

share the next two brains, so Murphy 5-3. We pick up in the last frame of

the morning in the company of Dennis Taylor.

COMMENTATOR: Look at that, he was right on the black.

A first chance in this final frame of the first session, falling to

Shaun Murphy. You've got maybe four nice,

comfortable reds before having to play any cannons.

Doesn't have the ankle to go into the pack here, so he will just get

on the loose Rins above black there. You need is a nice angle after this

red. -- get on the loose red above the black there.

Hoping for a little, a slight little nudge off the bottom of the pack.

Look at this. Just hoping, as the cue ball goes through, just a Nick

of that red to slow it down. Playing this with pace, it requires

excellent cueing. Made sure of it and left the red

open to the yellow pocket. Four breads, four blacks. I am not sure

whether he will try to stay on the black here. -- four reds.

Well, he is and what a fantastic pot that was. Great shot. APPLAUSE

He has got a wonderful angle as well.

Well, Dennis, five reds, five blacks. Listen, he is a stranger to

the maximum break. He has done it on five occasions, one of the best

break-builders in the game. Oh... He's covered it now. Does the pink

go? That is more important, never mind the maximum break. More

important from his point of view that the pink pots, because it is

all about the frame and to have a three frame advantage.

And the pink did pot. Yeah, you could see his disappointment on his

face, couldn't you. He wasn't on the black post you could see what his

intentions were. He could certainly set a very high

target for the rest of the players to chase here. As Dennis said, he

will want to win the frame first of all, but a possible 146 on.

Yeah, 122 is the highest. Ronnie O'Sullivan made that yesterday.

First board is to secure the frame, obviously. That is what he is a

before, as you can see. He is the wrong side of the blue slightly, but

at least the reds are nicely situated.

It will be a comfortable pot, you would say, to keep the break going

here. Just a little bit of noise coming

from behind the commentary box. Somebody is wandering past and

making a bit of noise. Did they not realise there are a couple of tables

with four players out here at the Crucible lips this? ? Shaun waiting

until they disappear. Yeah, all quiet directly behind Ken and me

now. Such a small theatre, and 970 people, as you can see, somebody was

wandering backstage, having a friendly chat. The players will hear

them. Yes, and I am glad he kept his

concentration there. Didn't stump him too much because it was quite a

pivotal time during this frame. Good stuff in this match, in this

first session. Shaun 's on his way for his 33, he made one in frame

four, and another one in frame five. This would be a special way to

finish the session. Doesn't matter if he does break down

now, he's got that 6-3 advantage. Always nice to finish with a

century. APPLAUSE I was expecting that to bounce off

the cushion a little bit more. This red, into the green pocket, keep

white going. Oh... Such a shame. The young Chinese player Yan Bingtao

did very well, but smiles all around for Shaun Murphy, he will be pleased

with the session. He takes a 6-3 advantage into tomorrow's second

session. HAZEL IRVINE: Great standard there.

Keirin Wilson pulled away to win the last three in a row and earn a date

with either Mr big or Mr Ebdon. Afterwards, a warrior spoke to Rob

Walker. Congratulations, no easy match

because David the auction was fired up for that one in front of his home

crowd. You summed it up, really. He was spurred on by the amount of

people that came out to support him. And rightly so. He has done well

getting here. He held himself together well on his debut.

You look as though you are hitting form at the right time. Having

started the season so well, getting to the final in India, since

Christmas you went on a lean run, picking up form in China. People

don't quite see what goes on off the table sometimes. It is a one-man

sport at the end of the day. And when you are in the lines then come

and you have got to be a gladiator and stand up under pressure. I am

happy my form is coming together now. I have managed to solve a fewer

issues off the table, and I am getting on with it and enjoying my

snooker. Without wishing to pry on that, you

have had a tough things to deal with away from the table, that must have

been difficult in the midst of getting into the world 16. Yeah,

very much so. It's been a very tough time for my family. We've all stuck

together, and it's all coming out for the good now.

Even more congratulations, you know you can go deep in this tournament,

good luck in the last 16. Thanks. HAZEL IRVINE: A strong performance,

and a gladiator comes through under pressure, as he says. Impressive?

Continuing about levels of expectation as a seed, he expects

more of himself. That is a good win. Any win in the first round,

marvellous here. He got to the quarterfinals last year. He has a

good track record here already. He has a taste for going deep in this

tournament, so he will want to repeat that. As Steve says, to get

over the first round is important. It may be his third time here, but

you guys have been here longer. No matter how many times you come to

the Crucible, it is either reassuringly familiar or

uncomfortably cost Afobe, depending on the pressure you are under. That

is just that stage. Rob Walker gives us a tour.

Mid April in Sheffield, only one place you want to be in those doors

at the Crucible. Amazing to think how many snooker legends will have

walked through those famous doors over the last four decades.

One of the great things backstage here at the Crucible is, wherever

you look you are reminded of the history, prestige and names. This is

the champion 's board, 1977, we start with John Spencer, Davis from

the 80s, Hendry, King of the 90s with his titles. Here is a quirky

fact for you. Whenever you come here to the Crucible, the year that you

are currently contesting always has? Every winners photo is on the wall

backstage, Legends of the 80s and early 90s, and one off moment are

also recorded for posterity here. How about that, last year, Steve

Davis with a tear in his eye, doing that lap of honour at the Crucible

after all those years as a pro, finally calling time on one of the

great careers. That was a very special day here last year.

Believe it or not, this is the media room, the great and the good of

British journalists are finding their copy and doing their reports

in here. Over there, Gareth working for BBC Wales, Jamie Broughton doing

the World Service and BBC regions, and George Riley for five live, on

air around every half an hour. But when all the build-up is over,

when the preview pieces are written, this is the final walk that the

players must take before going on to that famous stage. We can only begin

to imagine how they must feel walking out there, especially for

the very first time. HAZEL IRVINE: A first timer here is

Gary Wilson. Here he is, 31 years old, a former taxi driver, which he

gave up to concentrate on Stricker. First tried to qualify in 2004, the

year of Ronnie's second victory. Now he has finally made it. The former

world under 21 champion made a maximum in qualifying and knocked in

seven other centuries to learn his debut. He did so yesterday and he's

proved yesterday that he really is something of a cool character,

because having seen Ronnie make that century, 122, to go 4-1, and 5-1 up,

he's won the last three frames of the session. He comes into this 11

behind. There he is, limbering up. Time for the action. We have our own

Easter Bunny, more like a generous Bunny, full of energy, Mr Rob

Walker, our MC. ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon, ladies and dental men.

The World Snooker World Championship is up and running in style. What a

session we have for you now, not one or two, but three former world

champions and a debutant absolutely loving his first foray out here on

the big stage. We are set for a cracking afternoon of entertainment

here at the Crucible. APPLAUSE Please welcome, first of all, a man

returning for a 24th appearance at the Crucible, 25-year is after his

debut. Arles to you what, the ponytail has gone, but the passion

hasn't. An absolutely amazing comeback against Michael Holt at the

qualifiers at Ponds Forge. He has still got it, ladies and gents, you

comes the 2002 champion of the world, Befalls Peter Ebdon -- the

force Peter Ebdon. His opponent, returning to the scene

of his greatest triumph here in 2015, this season he has been on top

form, three big finals and he won the Welsh in fine style in February.

Back at the Crucible for an 11th campaign, The Ball Run Stuart

Bingham. And On Table One, Please Welcome A

Player That Came Through Qualifying Brilliantly To Book His Crucible

Debut At The Last Three Frames Yesterday Showing You He Is Really

Enjoying His First Appearance Here. He has come such a long way since

his days as a taxi driver on Tyneside, the pride of the North

East, Gary Wilson. Finally, a player that has been

thrilling crowds here for 2.5 decades, win of 28 ranking titles,

the reigning Masters champion, five times a champion of the world, blink

and you'll miss him, the Rocket Ronnie O'Sullivan. APPLAUSE

HAZEL IRVINE: Three great champions on parade this afternoon, two of

them, Ebdon and Bingham life on the red button. The opening session, a

possible ten more frames to play in this one. We had for the concluding

session between O'Sullivan and Wilson in the company of John Virgo

and John Parrott. JOHN VIRGO: Good afternoon, everybody.

The big question is, pressure on the session now for Ronnie. There

certainly is after what happened yesterday, John. 5-1 A, looking to

all the world like he was going to go 6-1. That was a big frame, John,

going 5-2 behind kept Gary Wilson in the match. That's why we are at 5-4

today. All to play for. Very interesting

long pot success, a bit long for both players. I always think you

need to be 60 or 70%. You have got to be looking at 90% or above pot

success. The one century from Ronnie, and that sticks before,

which was a key one in frame seven. It won Gary that frame.

That needs to run. He has got behind the black. I am not certain he meant

to play it like that, but he will settle for it.

I was watching some of the snooker this morning in my room and broke

off from one of the matches to see Ronnie practising in the practice

room very early this morning. Damien Hirst racking bubbles up for him. He

wasn't completely happy with the way he was hitting it yesterday.

Make no mistake, he has been around the block a futile, Ronnie, but he

will want to get this much out of the way. He will be nervous as well,

just like everybody else. I was talking yesterday in commentary with

Steve Davis. A lot of the matches now are played over Best of seven,

but even best of 19 doesn't seem like a long match, the world

champion. The bit they stalemate here, though. It doesn't look as

though Gary wants to risk coming up to the Borg end. I think the red

near the left middle pocket will cut. More tip tapping, could be in

for a cracking again. -- the baulk end.

I think it only needs for one player to look at the other. Well, I think

the referee gave them the option, and looked over to Ronnie. So it is

a re-rack. The frame wasn't going anywhere, no need to continue. They

have played game long enough knowing that no one was going to be forced

into making a shot. So it was the right thing to do. The referee

Brendan Moore said the balls up. It is one of them, you put it in, put

it up against the top cushion, and there is a Mark Webber pink goes. It

should set them up perfectly. -- a Mark where the pink goes.

Very predominant one eyed stance, has Gary. You were left side as

well, were due, when you cued. Right I. I must have got a negative on a

photograph wrong. I am left I'd as well. Not quite as predominant as

Gary was. Very Graham Miles. Graham Miles, perhaps some of our older

viewers will remember him. Some of those victories in the late 70s. He

cued exactly like that. Where is this Red Bull going? In the

pocket. He shouldn't have been anywhere near the blue, flicking the

red as well. You would broadly say, because of that, got position, so

triple whammy. -- where is this red ball going?

He played some snooker qualifying, this boy, qualifying. 10-9 in his

first match. I don't know who Josh Boileau is, but he must be some

player to compete with him. Beating Peter lines in his second game,

10-7. He beat Michael White, who ran Mark Selby to 10-9 here last year.

That was a fantastic result, to beat him 10-3. He made centuries overall

in qualifying, so he can definitely score.

This red and one more loose red. One pot and the black to bring the other

methods into play. The type of pack, this come where

want to stun onto the cue ball. If you screw these, you can bring the

white back up to the top cushion, a bit of style. Perfectly played. Well

played. Absolutely, couldn't ask to play

that any better. His contribution started with a fluke, but when you

are on the ball, you have to take full advantage because it can soon

turn against you. It is a good opportunity now.

And even better, the pink pots through the gap and that is a help.

Just got to hold yourself together here, in this first contribution

this afternoon. It would suit Gary if the pink spot

wasn't available and it went on the highest available, which it has

done, the blue spot. A few open reds.

If he gets to 68, that would be snookers required. There are two

reds. I don't know if there is a plant. If so, he might look for in

angle on the pink. You can see the two reds I'm referring to. I know he

would love them to be, but they're not quite are they? This is not an

easy pack to break up from where he is.

Where is the cue ball going? Needed to catch it full, caught it half

ball. A tough shot now. Needs that brown to rescue him, I

think. It looks like it has. Excuse me, come down. We need this

guy out. He needs to go. Martin, out. This one, here. Yeah, he needs

to go. Straight out.

A slight problem with someone in the audience. It looks as though he's

not too well. You need to go, please, sir. Go.

Yeah. Ronnie went back to his seat, just

to wait until that situation was sorted out. A bit of fresh air and

he will be back, that gentleman, hopefully. As you can see, Ronnie

can't get through to this red, so try and swerve around it... We'll be

happy not to leave it... Well... If you asked him to do that, I don't

think he could. Full length of the table swerve, hit two jaws, miss it.

Well, the cue ball needs to be... The cue ball is not where it should

be. He swerved round the other side of the brown. Yes, he needs to look

at the monitor. That is nowhere near it was. It needs to go another inch

or an inch and a half... What is that in metric? I struggle! You're

asking me? That's where it was. That's where it is now. That is

pretty good now. OK? Yeah? Ronnie is in trying to pot this, he

just doesn't want to leave this red. Has he got it safe? Well, in a

fashion he will be pleased with that. Couldn't hope for much better.

I think he's done remarkably well to get out of that. It wasn't easy. A

nice target behind the blue ball here, you just have to know your

billiards, know your angles. A lovely target behind the blue. Just

double-checking if he doesn't get the snooker he doesn't leave the

outside red, but it's a lovely target, and if you are playing

against Mr Davis, in our studio today, you would be right behind the

blue after that shot. A missed opportunity to get the

snooker. Ronnie is looking... Can he get past the pink to play the Finn

cut? He's looked at the potting angle. Can he hit enough of the red?

Not quite. That little flick on the brown could

help. That may have just covered the thin

pot to the left corner. It may have looked like nothing the last shot

Gary played by it were so important. If he had got in behind the blue,

Ronnie would have been in all sorts of trouble. As it is, this is

looking a very dangerous board at the moment. There's no safety on, is

there? No... He's trying to swerve this. Can he do that to get to the

potting angle? Not quite. Ronnie can cut this in.

When I said there's nothing safe, a couple of reds in the middle of the

table, once you get on the black you can place them cannons and open up

easily but I meant nothing on the cushions. You have to be careful.

He missed that by a way. And here's the chance Ronnie has been looking

for. OK, Gary still has a 54 point lead, but if he had got that in, it

would have been a frame-winner. Let's just see how he goes about

this little break. Two reds stuck together, three in a little cluster.

Yes, I think if you had a choice, you'd rather try and move the three

reds in the cluster in the middle. They are sort of square on, you

could send one to the cushion... I would go for the ones in the middle.

He played for the two. It does surprise me, that. I think he played

a double shot there, try to get the flick of that and hit the three reds

thought he could hit both. Fair comment, looking at it again. If he

had have done, of course, he would have brought all reds open in one.

He will probably be disappointed but he has played a good safety.

Surely not, there's not a plant onto the red to knock in the red, is

there? Nine. I don't think so. I think he's more worried about

knocking the red towards the corner. Once again, a bit thick on the

safety. Another chance for Ronnie, 38 points behind now.

Cleverly playing... A choice of two reds but happy to be on this one,

one of the more difficult reds out of the way. The red behind the pink

will be a formality. A quick glance at the scoreboard, 16

points behind. Yes, and now the hard work starts.

His last two reds are far from a formality.

Well played, just drop this in. Just got to give these a little care and

attention now. Played it well. He does play well with the other hand,

doesn't he? It's amazing. We don't even notice it so much now. You see

some people play with the other hand and they look uncomfortable, not

Ronnie. He's got a nice angle on this black, does he dropped behind

the red or can he move it? Dropped behind it are now just one point

behind. Don't think the green passes the

yellow. And if it doesn't, just a snooker.

Wow, what a let off for Gary Wilson that is. The funny thing is, I

thought if he erred on the side of being a bit firmer you would be on

the brown or yellow. Not like Ronnie to make a position mistake. I

thought that was looking absolutely right for a clearance.

Points all square. Yellow, green, brown and blue required I both

players. -- by both players. Good length for the cue ball. This

yellow will pot. I don't know whether it's a situation where he

doesn't feel he can get it safe. It will pot in either corner pocket.

Decided to play the safety shot. And it's not bad. It's not bad. The

reason it's not bad, it's not a straightforward up and down with the

yellow because the blue is there. This will take a bit of thinking

about, it's not straightforward to get this safe.

Yes. Blue is no good, brown is in the way.

If he's got the snooker behind the blue... What a shot that is!

Absolutely fabulous. That was absolutely sensational. To avoid the

double-kiss on the yellow and to judge it like that was just

brilliant. Brilliant shot. And fair play to Gary, he gave a nice tap on

the table. Just to avoid the double-kiss, and to judge it, to get

tight behind the blue... They don't come much better than that.

Foul and a miss. Ronnie O'Sullivan, six.

Yes, trying to calm inside the pink, just to avoid it hitting the top

cushion and coming to the back of the yellow. It will be some shot.

There is still the problem of missing the pink here. Foul and a

miss. It is going to be very difficult to

do. And of course, Ronnie, even though it's a free ball, no reason

for him to play this. That yellow just once moving back a fraction. --

just wants. Difficult to judge, it's not the

first cushion you come off, is the second and see how far it slides

over. That has been the problem for Gary. Getting slightly worse in his

attempt here. Ronnie O'Sullivan, six, 3-ball. Back.

I think this is what he's trying to do, but he has to be so precise. If

he goes the other side of the pink, he doesn't hit the yellow. Can he

followed the white line this time? No, pink again. I know what shot

he's trying to play, but he's given so many points away here, just needs

to make sure he hits the yellow. You can try beta exact and lose the

frame. And where he is finished now, Ronnie is going to take this on

anyway. If he'd pot is the yellow... It was all square when Ronnie played

the snooker. He now just needs the yellow to go 26 points in front with

just 25 remaining. Yeah, it's been a tale of the blue

ball. I know I will harp on about it but he's missed an opportunity. If

Gary got behind the blue in the middle of the frame, it would be all

over. Since Ronnie played the brilliant snooker behind the blue,

that is probably what will win him it.

Well, Ronnie will be disappointed to miss the green but still a snooker

required. For Gary. First things first, got to try and

get this safe. This isn't a formality.

I don't think any heroics here from Ronnie, just roll the green in. He

wants this frame over now. That will keep Gary Wilson in his

seat. Two snookers effectively required.

That was a heavy sounding contact. But as you said, a couple of frames

yesterday went one way and then the other. There was one where Ronnie

needed a snooker and Gary got it. That's why he's playing on.

Pink and black aren't in a bad place but I have a funny feeling Gary will

be snookered behind one of them in a minute. Ronnie going to try and play

in behind the pink. Nothing worse when you are chasing a snooker and

your opponent puts you in one. It doesn't seem fair, does it? Ronnie

will be disappointed not to have got it.

And of course he only has the pink and black to play the snooker

behind, with the blue tight to the baulk cushion.

This brown is going towards the corner.

Well, it can be cut. Ronnie doesn't want to go in off the brown.

That's why he played it like that. He didn't want to be hitting it had

entered letting the cue ball run loose.

I think that's... Dotting the eyes and crossing the Tees in this frame

now. It's all about the snooker behind the blue, the one that didn't

get it and the one that did. There will be no return back to the

table now for Gary Wilson. After that run of three frames.

A very fine player, as well. This is a surprise. Where is the cue ball

going? I'm very surprised he's playing on here.

Maybe he just doesn't feel settled and wants to get his cue arm going.

Three snooker is required on the pink and black.

There you see it, three snookers. Ronnie must be a bit bemused. But I

suppose the first frame of the session, maybe he feels he doesn't

have the right speed... Playing a trick shot now. One, two, three, and

concedes. A strange game, but an interesting one, all about the

snooker on the blue. Gary Wilson didn't get it, Ronnie O'Sullivan

did. Two frames ahead, 6-4. HAZEL IRVINE: A strange end to the frame,

why did he play on? I've no idea, it's not like he had shots. Only

reason I can think, trying to get under Ronnie's skin or annoy him a

bit. I don't know. A strange end to the frame. A brilliant shot to

effectively when it. Effectively, Ronnie O'Sullivan didn't win in his

trademark one visit. When it came to the critical moment... This snooker

using the yellow behind the blue was amazing. A lot of players would have

worried about the double-kiss. Ronnie O'Sullivan's not a gambler of

a player. He must have absolutely been sure he wouldn't get a double.

And the yellow over the pocket, it was going to corner pocket. It

played paid massive dividends. What was a very key moment in the match,

actually. Gary had a big lead, 50 points and it looked like he would

go all square. A great win for Ronnie. The opening frame was more

important today you felt for Gary Dan Ronnie. Yes, a massive test now

for Gary Wilson this afternoon. Yesterday, first day at the

Crucible, perhaps you can enjoy the occasion, be up for it, raise your

game. But now, this is the real... The second session, this is the

test. This is when the Crucible heats up. He is about to feel it.

Back we go. I must apologise... I heard Steven

saying Gary Wilkinson as well. He was the World Matchplay champion. He

came to the Crucible on many occasions.

Two cushion escape with pace. Not played it well. Much too full. First

time here, John, playing someone like Ronnie, I think it's something

you'd look forward to, wouldn't you? It's unbelievable. It is a snooker

player's dream to play at the Crucible but to come out and play

against Ronnie O'Sullivan... Some people might consider it a baptism

of fire but he looks like he's enjoying every minute of it, and why

not? And he can play. He has confidence in himself, he's been

lively round the venue, looking like he will enjoy it. It is never a bad

thing if you go out thinking you are going to enjoy the match. And with

that scoreline, 6-4, he has settled down into it and he will fancy the

job. In a way he will have been disappointed to have lost that first

frame. As Steven Hendry said in the studio, a big, big frame for Gary.

A nice side on view. He is on this red to the left corner, but did want

the cue ball that close to the side cushion. The red is pottable. Played

it confidently enough. Beautifully played, wasn't it? He's got a lovely

angle here. Can go full ball into the pink or that red on the

left-hand side... It can go to the left corner. He has a choice of

shots, whether he wants to play the side of the pack and use the red as

a stopper or go straight into the pink.

Well played. How is your luck? Could have been better. You'd think he'd

have a red to the right middle. As John said, he couldn't have played

the cannon any better. OK, you could say he could have hit the pink a bit

fuller. It looks like he's got one to the right middle.

Well played. That's a lovely little shot. There was a lot of pressure on

that. If you missed it it could have been frame gone. Played that

beautifully. In answer to what Steven was saying

in the studio, this is a pretty good response, isn't it? Yes. But needs

to make these opportunities count. Trying to win frames in one visit.

A nice little cannon up into the two reds you can see above the black,

can't fail to be on a red. Although saying that, he'd like to

have it again. Gone a little bit awkward.

Not ideal on any of them. I don't know if he can just drop this in and

a little cannon off it, no, we'll have two screw out. But boy did he

play that well. A lovely shot. Two lovely cannons he's played. The one

in the middle lovely shot to get on the black and that was beautifully

played by Gary. And what a chance this is the 6-5.

69 will put him in the right stage. Difficult to see a problem ball,

enough raids in the open to win the frame without having to do any hard

work -- enough reds. It's a tough school, though, isn't

it. Ronnie tried to blow the two cushion escape, court the red too

fit. It is no matter how good you are, there is nothing you can do

about it. He is taking this very well. I like that he likes the heat.

Arguably facing the greatest with HQ in his own backyard and he is

standing up to it very well indeed. Taking these superbly well. --

facing the greatest with a cue. He just paused for a minute, saw

this black. Red and a colour now needed. A

glance at the scoreboard. Red and a blue would do. The blue would put

him 70 points in front, with just 67 remaining.

Pink will do to put him in the snooker's required stage.

This is his highest break of the match.

This is very impressive indeed from Gary Wilson.

Played that well. Purposely nudging the other red into play. So, all

things being equal, we could see the sixth century of the tournament so

far. Ronnie had five. This is perfect. Well, can he stay

on the black here? Just, gravity took over. Did you

hear at the Crucible, this for his first century. Well played.

Excellent stuff. Ton up. He makes the century and that will

really settle him down. Ronnie didn't get a chance that frame. He's

within one again. Trails 6-5. HAZEL IRVINE: His ninth century of

this campaign, because he made eight" fine, including a maximum

break yesterday. Stephen, what a response given what went on in the

frame prior. Through the whole match, his demeanour, and today, as

I said before, but today he would find out if he could handle the

pressure. His demeanour around the table, he looks completely

comfortable playing at the Crucible. As you say, he is obviously

confident in his scoring. He is in a rich vein of form with scoring. That

last frame was very impressive. In a way, it is your worst nightmare as a

C, playing someone so fresh to the quiz Ball. You hope they will

crumble. That is the case, you look for them to crumble. When they

don't, it puts more pressure on you -- -- fresh to the crews. As Steve

mentioned yesterday, Mark Selby got what he expected from Fergal

O'Brien. With Ronnie, you don't know what player is to turn up. Not a bad

player has turned up now. Back we go, 6-5.

JOHN VIRGO: Decent break off. Any break off that doesn't leave a pot

on. The reason I said he didn't leave a pot on, although he has over

Hitler's, the red is going over to the pocket. It needs to rest on the

cushion. -- although he has overhit this.

I would suggest, John, Ronnie already is well aware that he should

treat this young man with respect. The last frame, certainly opened his

eyes to that prospect. He's been a bit fortunate there, Ronnie, to

leave the red there. Not good for the frame either, because not many

shots you can play here. The cue ball back up to the top cushion.

You can end up with one of those horrible friends where you keep

playing balls up the table and bringing the cue ball back. Never a

fan of those frames. They are horrible to play in. With that red

being in the baulk area. That could happen.

A few shots he can play here. You can drop off the side cushion into

the pack. He was looking whether he could go down the table, come off

the side cushion and drop the ball into that area. In fact, he is going

to chip off the side of the pack and put it to the side cushion. Maybe

now only has a chance to change the shape of this spring. -- the shape

of this frame. He has certainly covered the red

near the baulk line, forcing Derry to play a safety shot at this end of

the table. It will be a tough return back to

the baulk end. -- forcing Gary to play a safety shot.

He found a nice path for the cue ball there. One of those that he

felt was worth the risk. He's not left anything.

Quite a clever shot from Ronnie, that. Try into line that red up with

the green, so you can't play back to the baulk area of it, the one

between green and blue. You can see the red on the left-hand side, you

can run through that, but he won't want to get the double-kiss. He had

to be careful with this. He did get the double-kiss. But he's

not left anything easy. The aww on the left-hand side of the table will

cut. -- the red on the left-hand side of the table. But it is not

easy, by any means. Beautiful stuff that was. Absolutely

nothing on your screens, but take it from me, that was a really tricky

little shot. Beautifully played. And there's a few reds in the open,

quite an acute angle in the middle of the pocket. If you look where the

cue ball finished, even if it stayed in the jaws, you wouldn't be leaving

anything, so he is so clever at picking out a shot. Although it

looked risky, he made it look like there was little risk to it if he

missed it. But now he has got it, what can he make of this

opportunity? Just underhit that slightly, but I think he's OK. The

red just about the black does go. Now the black will be available to

both corners. Yes, yet to sit in his chair in the

last frame, got a big punch from Gary Wilson.

In such a position, he couldn't play the run with pace, because the cue

ball was a bit wide for the blue now. If the pink goes, that is a

bonus. He's opened the reds. Normally, you assume the pink

doesn't go, so a tricky blue is on here. Is it go? Is it middle or top?

He's got to get it. Yeah, it was a tough enough pot the

way he played, full-blooded with a lot of screw inside there. He is

praying as the cue ball comes down the table, he will land on a red.

Just scrapping about for position, John. He can't quite get the cue

ball where he wants it. Just a fraction, making the next shot a

little bit more difficult. He has got to cue this well. And did.

Thinking about the red when he rolled it into the top pocket, not

many players would play that would they?

I don't know whether it's a sign of his confidence, or a bit of

frustration. Take nothing away from the pot, but I can't think of many

other players that would play it. Most people would be worried about

leaving it. He was just trying to play it the right way. He just

played it the correct way to get it in the pocket. But it still took

some cueing. This is turning into a very good

match indeed. A really good match. This is the reply from Ronnie. And

Gary's play has certainly woken him up.

As you said after the last frame, Gary Wilson asked Ronnie a question.

And here's your answer. A quick glance at the scoreboard. If

he can get on the pink, then he will need just one more red, or the blue.

A decent shop played absolutely perfect. A stunt on a red into the

same pocket as pink. This has just been a brilliant

contribution from O'Sullivan, it really has. He has seen his opponent

play well. He needs to put a marker down. This has been the response.

Absolutely outstanding with a couple of great shots in it, but one in

particular. Trying to nudge the awkward red into

play. Needs to stop short of the baulk

line. Has done, so a good positional shot needed now off the brown for

the difficult last red. Trying to bring it into the open. Dropped in

Canada. I wouldn't say it's perfect. -- dropped in the cannon. Terrific

shot. The blue for another century. He is

going to play the yellow left-handed. Wouldn't you if you

were that good left-handed? Didn't want to stretch for the blue.

What a wonderful three frames we have had so far in this afternoon

session. Top quality. And a seventh century of this year's

championship. A wonderful reply from Ronnie.

The previous highest break in the tournament so far is a 122. APPLAUSE

Superb snigger from both players. Ronnie was asked a question and he

gave the right reply. Actor two in front again now, 7-5. -- superb

snooker. Pays about is running's 47 century,

I make it, the season. They are beginning to fly in a in a bit now.

That is seven now. Are we in for a bumper year, Stephen? I think so.

Lots of balls going in the pocket that I am surprised about. Maybe the

pockets are playing slightly generous. People say that is

impossible because the templates are the same. I think they are going in

nicely, but you normally see top players making more centuries when

the pressure is on, because they start to focus and concentrate high.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ronnie Knox in another couple this

afternoon. OK, very tasty indeed. Two in DOS frames -- two frames.

JOHN VIRGO: There will be a mid session interval after this spring.

A big frame in the context of the match, particularly for Gary Wilson.

Can he be as you were when they started this session? Or will he be

three behind? That was the archetypal shot for

nothing. That was the distance of it, but it

was the quality of the cueing there. Straight through and right into the

centre of the pocket. Yeah and it's something that went

off for a couple of seasons, didn't it, Ronnie's long potting. He was

getting very dependent on people making mistakes. He wasn't getting

himself in with good, long potting. But he has done the last couple of

seasons. It goes without saying, once he

starts knocking the long ones in, he's very hard to stop.

Not the cleanest of pots. Yeah, even Vaughany thought that wasn't going

to drop for a second -- even Ronnie fought. He can thank the new cloth

for that. It slides for the first day or so. Mind you, they seem to

play on old class. They only have them for a feudal days now and they

put a new one on. It makes a huge difference.

The pockets always seem to play a little bit easier. They slide off

the new cloth, rather than come off a bit square.

Well, that's worked out nicely. Red towards the middle but he will

settle for that. John, how well did he play it? Honestly, how many

snooker players would do that? He has done so well just to hold it.

He changed his mind there. You can tell by his cueing, he is in two

minds as to what he should play. Even the great stand up and start

again when they are not ready on the shot. A good thing, too. If he can't

get a perfect angle on the blue, there is no reason why he can't play

for the blue. There is a red at the baulk end. He didn't need the right

angle on the blue. That is what he has done in the end. He decided, I

can get on the blue, I can't get the right side, but there is a ball at

the baulk end to play for. As you say, good thinking to stop yourself

getting down and playing the shot. Give everything due care and

attention before you get down. Yes, I think if Gary Wilson hadn't

seen the real Ronnie O'Sullivan so far, he's seen him now. This match

has got him focused. A brilliant break in the last frame. 124.

So far in this, it looks like it is pretty ominous for Gary. That was a

horrible kick. Yeah, you could see it. That has

really spoilt things. A nice angle on the black there. There were a

feud reds that he could have played for. -- a few reds. There is Damien

Hirst, a big supporter Ronnie, and supports off the table, which is a

good thing. Someone said, you don't play every

day, but you are living it everyday. Once you are here for 17 days, it

doesn't matter what day you are playing, the tournament is in your

blood. Yeah, I think he'll play the thing.

Once again, another ball that has gone very close. On a bad day, they

go in, don't they. I think he's got to play the pink here. Obviously, he

can pot the black, but he has not had any real control on the pupil.

It is all about the positional shot here. The pink is an absolute gimme.

But can you land on one? He has played the cannon. If it is right,

what a shot this is right. Come on, jeez. I think he is going to split

the atom in the interval, John. Wonderful shot. It is just snooker

knowledge. It's a gift. He got the line absolutely into perfect, and

the pace. You can hit that shot a little bit too hard, and it will

come off the cushion slightly different. Just the pace of it was

superb. And, well, it looked as though Gary was going to have a free

frame deficit coming into the mid-session interval now. Made 100

in the one frame he has won in these first four frames, showing his

quality. But what a reply from Ronnie.

He will be able to orbit lift there. A little bit careless not to get the

right side on the blue. -- he will be a little bit miffed. Read he has

lined up to play, he will be hampered by the one near the baulk

on the leaning over. He has got to be careful. What he

has done is left the cue ball shorter, so he is hampered by the

red on the right-hand side. Still needs a red and a colour.

Right in the heart of the pocket. Is he going to land on the blue? The

blue will put in 69 points in front with 67 remaining.

Goodness me, what a shot again. Some wonderful shots in this break. I

think he's enjoying himself out there, John. Honestly, we haven't

artist in the audience and we've got one on the table.

There's the red just above the black, it's available. He's just

about on it. The way he's playing at the moment, he's looking at all

kinds of different shots. But he has missed that one. But I don't think

Gary Wilson will get out of his seat. I will be amazed if it does.

He's coming back to the table, but surely, that's frame over.

So, let's look at this now. 66 points behind. 51 remaining. I can

only assume he's hoping that he will get these two reds, the black, get

in the baulk end and play a snooker on the red that's near the yellow.

Because at the moment, is looking for four snookers.

So, this is the plan. Pot the red, get a nice angle on the black.

And when potting the black, try and get somewhere near that circle.

It needs to Mr brown. -- miss the brown. You can still get the

snooker, but it would've been a more difficult one if he could have

missed the brown and finished near the baulk cushion.

So, 50 points the lead, 35 remaining. If Ronnie missed this he

would leave a free ball but not much chance of that... Well, hush my

mouth! There is your free ball. So now, 46 behind, a possible 43

remaining. Still one snooker needed. This green obviously counts as a

red. Didn't want to be too straight on

the black, he has to pot the black but how does he get to the red? I

was going to say, the one thing you can't do is leave yourself straight

on the black with the red behind the yellow but that's exactly what he's

done here. I don't know whether there's any of it just sticking out

on the left-hand side, if he potted the black and screwed back. But even

then, the next shot be too pretty. There is just an egg. I'm wondering

if it's a guide to potting it. There you see it, just sticking out.

Needs to be on the black, though, needs to be on the black to keep it

at one snooker needed. Well, at the table fitters done a

good job? We will find out. He is going to have to play this into the

top pocket, isn't he? Yes, otherwise three snooker is needed. Here we go.

It's close, it's close... It's there! Wonderful shot! Can he hit

the yellow? He played it at that pace so if the

black didn't go in it would cover the pocket for the yellow, but has

he run far enough? 30 points behind, 27 remaining. He can get to the

yellow. Even if he can't play a snooker

here, the main priority is to get the yellow say. He can't get a

snooker off it... Well, he thought he could.

So an interesting frame, from looking like he was totally forlorn,

74 points behind. Only 30 in it now, one snooker required. Amazing

turnaround. Not only has Gary got the problem of

hitting this, he has to get it safe. That was a half-hearted attempt at

that pot, but Gary can get through to this yellow. There is a

possibility of a snooker where the green, blue and brown are. A

tempting target. Good try. They are funny, these

frames. You know when you have had a massive lead in one of them and you

can see someone nearly pegging you back and just needing one snooker?

You get a little tentative yourself in the frame, trying not to make a

mistake. Yes, and as you said earlier, Ronnie has already lost one

of these types of frames in this match.

I mean, I was surprised Gary played on when he was so far behind, but it

just shows you. Anything can happen. Court that much too thick, wanted to

run the yellow into the brown. But there's no way Ronnie wants to

be rolling the yellow over the corner, he doesn't want to give Gary

a chance of potting the yellow and getting a chance to play a snooker

on the green. I don't blame him taking a bit of

time, it's not straightforward, this. Obviously he can chip off the

yellow and leave the cue ball in the baulk area. Coming to have a look at

it. As you said a few moments ago, it's amazing how the mindset has

changed from being 76 in front and his opponent with no chance, it

appeared. 74 in front, as turned out. Now we have the frame well and

truly back on. That pink and black now aren't a bad

target. I'm not saying for this shot... But sometimes later on down

the line. He could take the pot on, this

yellow here. I see no reason why not to.

So now, can he get in behind the black? It's to get in behind the

black pink but you could use the pink as a target. I don't know if he

has the angle. But as we say, if you can't get the snooker, make sure you

get the object ball safe. He's tried it, top spin and across.

Oooh... That's not great. Wanted to leave that black where it was,

didn't want to clip it towards the pink. But all credit to him, he's in

there, punching away. Nearly a clever shot, just tried to

open up the pink and black, but didn't get the green far enough

away. A good pot required here for Ronnie.

And that is the end of the frame now. But what a frame it turned out

to be. Gary Wilson stuck in there and was only one snooker away from

pulling off a shock and getting within one frame of Ronnie, as they

started this afternoon's session. But Ronnie now has a three frame

advantage, mid-session interval. It's been a wonderful four frames

from both players, it to make a great good match. Great

entertainment. Gary Wilson will be disappointed. Ronnie O'Sullivan now

just two frames away from a place in the second round. He leads 8-5.

HAZEL IRVINE: Easily done when you have a man like Gary Wilkinson, who

still dominate snooker memories. It is Gary Wilson who is certainly

putting up a good fight today. Interestingly 71 behind, four reds

left on the table, would you have carried on? No, certainly not. I

would not have carried on. Two snookers was my maximum. When the

Bulls look like they're in a good position you might be tempted but

generally, no. But in all fairness to Gary Wilson, making a fight of

it? Certainly, regardless of what happens in the rest of the match,

you can go away saying he gave it a good go. So many players come here

and just crumble. This is a fantastic performance. And again

someone who very rarely crumbles at the Crucible. If you don't want to

play anybody, it's Ronnie O'Sullivan. He's too good in all

departments and also very strong as a front runner and doesn't give you

much. It's been a tough draw for him but he has done very well. It

strikes me he's really enjoying it. Everything about his demeanour says,

I like being here. In his chair he's upright, walking round the table

with authority when he's playing his shots. I suggested earlier maybe he

was playing on to annoy Ronnie but I have to take that back, it's clearly

not the case. I think he's just loving being out there and wants to

stay as long as possible. There's a shot Ronnie missed his first

snooker, which get the frame going. It just shows, he still trying to

win. Absolutely. We shall move on. As you know, Gary is a first timer

here. Terry Griffiths famously won the title at the first attempt in

1979. As for Ronnie O'Sullivan, it took him nine years to win his first

in 2001, the first of five titles since then. Also a very long and

hard road to Sheffield and even harder when you have do share it

with a geezer like this. Last time you were in the car with

this many cameras, was it top gear? No, the last time I'd done this was

when we went to America and did American Hustle Foster went out

there, played a bit of pool, just bouncing around in America having a

good time. Was it like the pool world press at the history of pool?

Yeah, like me going out there and trying to see if I could make it as

a hustler on a really. Really, did anyone recognises? See if I could

succeed or not and I failed miserably. I lost all the top pool

players, like Archer. They were there to give me tips on how to

hustle. The idea was I was going to like a normal club and find an

amateur or anybody and try to hustle them, tried to lull them in. Did

they have secret cameras? Yes, in the corners. A bit fly on the wall.

Every time I walked in a club they were like, Ronnie O'Sullivan! I

thought, how do they recognise me in America? It's like YouTube and all

of that. They have everything they want on TV, you know? Shame, shame.

So the hustling side didn't work out. The cameras in the car,

fantastic. Top gear, you were buzzing on top gear. Didn't you get

one of the best time ever? I remembered getting there and I got

the best time and then they reviewed the footage and said, you just ran

over the white line so we had to dock you half a second, so now your

second. I was gutted. I would love to have led it, just to say I had.

Just behind Simon Cowell. I hadn't done any track driving then. It was

just off pure instinct, no driving training. Since then I've had a lot

of track days. Really? Yeah, I'd probably hammer it. Would it be in

your bucket list, Formula 1 driving? Any driving, it doesn't matter what

the car is. It's just mastering the car, getting the balance right,

getting it to slide and doing what you want to do. It's like playing

snooker, when you get the white ball under control, using, I'm doing

things with this ball that no one else can do. In a way that's the

problem long time for yourself or anyone in snooker. How do you

replicate the excitement? Exactly. It is such a buzz turning up for the

World Championship. Is, 17 days? I find it a lot stress and pressure.

When I'm playing its fine but it's the waiting around. Yes, waiting

around for odd moments of panic. Then you have a fleeting moment when

you win it and you're in the zone and you're flying. Don't get me

wrong, a great feeling, but 17 days of it... A war of attrition. Yes.

Awards the back end of it you played nearly every day. I've been 16-8 up

in the semifinals thinking, this could go wrong. LAUGHTER

It's not a nice feeling, you know? 16-8 up and, I can't lose this...

But it's like I think, could still go wrong. It's the Crucible, it does

it to you. We'll go slowly mad, snooker players go slowly mad.

Thanks very much. I've got to get you out, I've got loads of affairs.

-- loads of fares. HAZEL IRVINE: Very generous, did he

give you a tip at the end of it? He told me I should be gripping the

cue. Certainly in the driving seat at the moment in this match. You

would expect him to kick on surely at this point? Yeah, Gary

Wilkinson... Gary Wilkinson! You are doing it now. Gary Wilson has put in

a good show this afternoon. I think the second session was always going

to be the tough one. With the top players, they sought of raise their

game. Ronnie at times has looked very impressive. We talked at the

top of the show, I said he'd need to play better to win the championship,

and he does do. What he has done this season is beat the players he

should beat, comfortably. When he's come up against the other top

players, he struggled a little bit. As I said before, his best game is

good enough to win the World Championship was it if he can bring

it every round. We will take a break now so we can get Gary Wilson's name

in our heads in the next few minutes. We can talk about the other

match on the side of the curtain, featuring 2015 champion Stuart

Bingham. What an amazing relief it must be for Stuart. A couple of

months ago he won the Welsh Open and that was his first title since

becoming world champion. The expectation levels clearly have

increased massively on Bigham since 2015. He looks much more relaxed

having come here this time. This is his 17th appearance and he has been

making waves ever since he turned up here in 2000.

So, you would have thought, the year 2000 when I first came here and

played Steven Hendry and beat him in the first round... What a fine or!

Stuart Bingham, after 20 years, realises his ambition and he is beat

2015 world champion. 15 years later, picking the trophy up myself, it was

one of the memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. What a

feeling! I know I can do it. That's a big key

coming here, I think. But I'm not taking anything for granted. I have

a tough game in Peter. You just have to get out there, settle and

hopefully things go my way. He's unpredictable. Some of the

shots he takes on Ahmad. But you know what you're going to get.

You're going to get a tough game. -- some of the shots he makes are mad.

We've had good matches in the past. I know if I can play well, I have

every chance. I've picked up the trophy, the Welsh Open, in February.

I've been pretty consistent before Christmas, five or six tournaments

on the trot I got to five or six semifinals. In between them, up and

down, but it's always nice, I think you always have a good season when

you pick up trophies. I suppose 2015, I didn't know what

was round the corner. Every match was new. But obviously now I've done

it, you know what's happening. It's probably tougher in a way. Tough

matches out there and you play well then you have every chance. HAZEL

IRVINE: Stuart trying to become the 13th double winner of the world

title here. Peter Ebdon has got very close as well. He won it in 2000 and

ran been runner-up a few times as well. Former number three in the

world, Peter, and obdurate opponent for anyone still. Interestingly,

Ebdon has the better record in head-to-heads between. 7-5,

including the last two occasions they've met. In we go, first frame,

Bingham on a break of 21 and it's all being watched by our world

winning duo Terry Griffiths and Dennis Taylor.

This is a decent chance here for Stuart Bingham.

Couldn't hold for the black but having to go up for the blue. As

long as you are on the right side of the blue, there's no real problem.

Big odds on favourite to win this match, I think. Peter Ebdon was

something like 9/2. Worth putting ?2 on Peter Ebdon at that price,

because he's beaten Stuart on a good few occasions. In fact, he leads

seven wins to Stuart's five. Just come up a little bit short, as

he did with his previous positional shot. Just making it slightly

difficult for himself. One good shot here will recover the situation.

A clear path through to the winning post in this opening frame now.

Tremendous amount of side to make sure it didn't cannon into the red.

Just a red and a colour needed. This is a very good start. For Stuart

Bingham. Just what the doctor ordered.

It wasn't so much about the pot, but watch the white as it hits the

cushion, just could have gone in the reds but look at the side he got on

that to leave himself perfect. Well, what a way to start.

Possibility of a century now. We've had five centuries so far at

the Betfred World Championship. A bit of work to do here to get

another one. Might be snookered behind the blue. If it goes back on

its spot... Needs to keep running. It's held the spot. LAUGHTER

Stuart! Not a century break, but nevertheless he got one chance that

was all he needed. He takes the opening frame. Is 1-0 to Stuart

Bingham. HAZEL IRVINE: Stuart hasn't won a match at the Crucible since

winning the title in 2015. He came back as the defending champion and

went out in the first round to Ali Carter, as the Crucible curse bit

him as it has bitten every first-time champion here in

Sheffield. A good start and we will pick him up in the second, 25 points

adrift. Not often you have 70 points on the

scoreboard and your opponent can still win. 22 points he gave away in

fouls. That's the reason for that. And that's a pretty good shot fare

from Stuart Bingham. No problem hitting the red, but to get it

safe... That's the problem. Lots of side of the cushion. -- off the

cushion. Got too much side, needs a bit of luck here. And he hasn't had

it. Do you know, there's a chance here, I know the blue is awkward,

but if he pots this and gets nicely on the colour, he could play for the

green and then pot the green and just flick the blue out. There's a

few ways of going about it here. The blue is the ball that Stuart will

have on his mind at the moment. And I think that's what he's played, if

it bounces for another... -- far enough. The yellow, a little

awkward, if he risks putting the green, the blue could go back on it

spot. Not far enough to play that. And of course, you can get the blue.

Yes, just picking out where he'd like to leave it. If he gets nicely

on the green, he can pot the green, cannon out the blue and still be on

the brown. Has he got the correct angle to do that? It looks pretty

good to me. This is the key shot coming up.

Couldn't have played that one better.

Peter Ebdon will be devastated losing this frame, I must say. He

had quite huge chances to win it. Yeah, it really will be a confidence

booster for Peter's opponent, Stuart to win this. He scored 70 points.

Taking that very well, I must say. Especially the blue off the

condition. But Peter Ebdon, this is a friend that will hurt him.

Hopefully, you can get a good bit of form back in the next frame.

HAZEL IRVINE: Stuart made an 80 to go in front. A 31. 3-1 in the

mid-session interval. That returns shortly. It is live on the red

button and online, and we may join that one a little bit later once the

conclusion of the match on the other table between Ronnie and Gary

Wilson. Peter Ebdon is still a force, still competing at the age of

46. What would you say is his, not legacy, but how should we remember

the best days of Peter Ebdon? I don't think his sock selects and --

shot selection, it has always been out there. Probably, he has probably

tried harder than anyone that has ever played snooker. A brave snooker

player. Can I say, Gary Wilkinson, just to get it out there and get it

out of the way again. It is out there and it has gone, and it is

Gary Wilson that we are watching. Peter continues against Stuart on

the other table, but this is the match we have been very much

enjoying. He has given as good as he has got, Gary Wilson, and finds

himself in a tricky position. A lot of ground to make up. O Sullivan

needs two more for a place in round two. Back to the two Johns.

JOHN VIRGO: Thank you, Hazel. Gary Wilson breaks off in frame 14.

He knew at the start of the match, John, that he had to play well. And

he's got to really play well now. Yeah, he has done so far. The last

two friends have been close to O Sullivan Vintage, a break of 124.

And in the last frame, the break of 74 at the start of it. Ronnie had

some magnificent shots. He hasn't done a lot wrong in the last couple

of frames. He's just had to watch, Gary. Pot success in this session,

98%. 93% Gary. That is top-quality snooker.

Don't really see much else for Ronnie to play here. If he tries to

get back to the baulk end, it's risky. You have got to cover that

red up near the baulk line. I know he doesn't just like rolling them

into the cluster, but I don't see what other option he is. -- option

he Not touching, as you can see there.

Boy Samantha, if it is a touching ball, the referee will declare it.

-- remember, if it is a touching ball.

I think maybe a stalemate, but if someone could get the cue ball near

that circle that I have just put up, that would be a good safety. Ronnie

can't do it from this shop, but that would put an end to this stalemate.

-- from this shot It is touching that one and that

one. You have got to play away and not move the ones you are touching,

because that is deemed a foul, then. Not ideal for either player, these

exchanges at the start of a frame. It is just the way the balls runs

sometimes. I suppose you don't mind it or you

might get less when you are 8-5 in front. Yeah, I think you can be a

little bit more patient then, can't you. I think Gary Wilson would like

to get on with this. Is he going to risk going to the baulk end? He's

got to cover that red near the baulk line.

Now, he's been a little bit fortunate there.

Just looking to snick off this red that the cue ball is closest to. But

he doesn't like it. And there is a possibility of leaving the room --

leaving the red. You have got to be careful you don't run it in the

corner. That is OK. I think he's covered the bread, although he

doesn't look too happy. I think he thought it was running in the pocket

and it pulled up, John. I think you're right.

As I say, you have to be careful not to run it. And I think you are

right, John. I thought that was quite a go,

couldn't really leave anything other than the one he was taking.

He's got to be a little careful, if he is going to play the shot into

the back of the pack and bring the white down to the back of the black,

he has got to cover the left-hand side and make sure it doesn't get

left to the middle pocket. Just checking where he thinks the reds

might go to. Yeah, well, safe enough, but it has

got to be a good safety if you are going to get the cue ball tight to

the top cushion. Chance here for Gary to try and get

in behind the black. That's a very good shot. The cue

ball tight on the top cushion, needing to dig down. Good thinking

here. The problem ball is the red

occupying in the green spot on or almost occupying it. I don't see how

he can play to the baulk end and not leave a chance on the red. It wasn't

as difficult as I thought. He needs it to run, though. Just. I was like

you. I thought that was not available. A relative history

forward shot in the end. Quite a lot of shots Ronnie

O'Sullivan has played where it 0-0 with plenty of shots. That is what

we have got here. Just the way the balls runs sometimes.

Both players, of course, know this is a massive frame.

That's not the best. He has stuck it over the middle. It's a shocker. I

think he played to run that red into another one but misjudged it, as you

say. And the pace, I think he played to run it into the one that was just

by the left middle pocket. But he has missed it, the red has run

loose. Ronnie is a little bit concerned here. He can't really get

any back spin on this cue ball. He's just a bit concerned that he is

going to go close to this corner pocket. And if he does, would that

leave him, well, in a nice position on the black? We will see how he

plays it. He had all those things in his mind.

And did what we see so many times. Forgot the pot. Yeah, and if he's

got in the way with it, he's had a right result. Lots of reds were

running around the table and cannoning into things. He has

covered the red to the middle right hand side of the table, around the

middle. I don't think anything else is readily available. He has been

very fortunate there. And if he's left the red over the

middle, that is an awful shock. Absolutely. You don't mind playing

the double, but he had to cover the Crimson mat to the right middle, and

he hasn't done that. And this one was a little bit easier than the

last one. This one, he can just roll it in, up and down, brown or blue,

or yellow he can play for. -- he had to cover the red to the right

middle. He's not made the best job of that.

If the blue goes to the corner here, he is fortunate. And it really does.

Couple of reds he can play on here. The reds either side of the pink, I

think they are pottable in both of the Middles. Played up for that one.

Straight on this red. I think he can run through for the black. Played it

nicely. Well, I said played it nicely, but he overhit it a

fraction. 71 is the target to get the snooker

's required. -- the snookers required. Just overhit that.

I think the red immediately below the pink will pot, but he wanted to

be straight on it than this. Just scrapping for position at the

moment, just can't quite get it. Too short on the last red.

Looking like he may be playing for one of the two reds closest to the

cue ball. He didn't want the kids. So he's not

out of the woods yet. He will do well to keep this break going here.

I think he's just looking to play safe.

Very prudent in my book, that. A 41 point lead. If he wants to win the

frame in one visit, which is what he has been doing today, but sometimes

you can't. 8-5, 41 point in front. Not a bad place to be. The last

thing he wants to do is throw an easy start to his opponent.

Just a little bit of thinking time here.

There is a delicate shot that Ronnie could play. But he's looking to get

onto the red just to the left of the yellow.

Yeah, the last thing he wanted to do was remove the red Mac nearside

cushion. That is an insurance policy against

the counter clearance, so that's staying there. -- remove the red Mac

near the site Making it really awkward for Gary

here. Yes, and all these safer shots for

Gary Wilson now are important. He knows that if he makes a mistake,

that surely will be end of game. Needs to run. Needs to run. He's

left it. This cuts to the middle. An surprising this from Ronnie. He

won't like where the ball has finished. It could've been worse. He

hasn't left anything easy for his opponent.

This is the right ball to take here for Gary. Off the vision, tried to

put it back in a more portable position, whilst playing it safe.

Well, it is not really more portable. The green being over the

pocket. He has left another red to the middle. He can't afford to be

leaving pots on. If Ronnie Knox is in and get on a colour, surely that

will be the end of the friend. You can't afford to give away those

chances. He will finish nicely on the blue.

Just pot the blue, little cannon on the red just above it. Leaving the

other red to the opposite middle. Doesn't look like a problem.

He's always had the upper hand in this little safety, hasn't he, John.

Gary has always looked more likely to make the mistake. 2-3 times

leaving reds to the middle. I know exactly where you are coming from.

When they have been playing safety, Ronnie hasn't left him a sniff of a

pot. Where as Gary has left a few opportunities.

You can't keep leaving these half chances. Not at this level.

63 ahead, 75 remaining. That equates to a red and a colour to get to the

snookers required stage. Something in the audience that put Ronnie off

there. Just someone oblivious that there

was a world snookered image of another time. It is amazing that

some people forget. -- oblivious that there was a World

Snooker Championship on at the time. This is what makes the atmosphere.

You have said it before, John. There is something about the Crucible, it

is horrible to play in, but the atmosphere it creates is incredible.

If I was Ronnie, I would clear up here, or Gary will come back for

snookers. Ronnie will be just one frame away

from a place in the second round. But it hasn't all been plain

sailing. I have been hugely impressed with him in the last three

frames, John. Hugely impressed. We have seen a lot of snooker from him

over the years, but he has gone through the give box in the last

three frames. Breaks of 124, 74, and really good matchplay in this one.

Certainly better than his opponent, he hasn't given him a sniff of a

chance. He's definitely been focused. And I don't subscribe to

the view of Ronnie not being in the right place to play good snooker

this year. The big tournaments come out of the big players. Of course,

he has still got goals to achieve. If he wins it this year, he will

equal Steve Davis's record. Still got eyes on Stephen Hendry's seventh

championship. And when he came into this session, this afternoon, just

one frame in front, I was thinking, he will have two produce. And as you

say, he has. It's been a pleasure to watch. -- have to produce.

Of course, when I mention records, of course, if he wins it this year,

he also because Ray Reardon's six times championship wins. So a lot to

play for the tempting. But this has been absolutely superb. Lovely frame

of snooker. Ronnie is now one frame away from a place in the second

round. He leads 9-5. HAZEL IRVINE: Ronnie O'Sullivan

rolling onto mountain. He is very focused, and has been all afternoon.

Yeah, he looks as if he is here to do a job and get through a match

that could have been a banana skin. This afternoon, he has really looked

up for the job -- rolling onto round two. Friday night was a marvellous

occasion, and he was in expansive form, in there with Ray Reardon, we

had a chat. He seems to have an appreciation for the occasion and

his part in the history of this great event. As he's got older, do

you sense and acceptance level, a maturity coming back here now? He

certainly looked really well axed in what was something that was a bit of

a new experience for all of the players contracted to turn up for

certain parts of the day, and also asked if they would come along to

the 40 years of age. Most players said it would be a good thing, so

they came. But Ronnie was in relaxed mode. I think he still has upset and

downs, from the interview, which is currently happening. Exciting to

know how he will be if he comes into the studio. But from that

perspective, I think he still has ups and downs in dealing with the

outside world away from the table, but on the table, how relaxed as he

cope with a dangerous opponent? You can't ask for more than that from

somebody who people have half written off as perhaps not as good

as he used to be. But all of a sudden, he has Steve Peters to get

him right and he looks very black stand focused. For me, Steve Peters,

with whom he has worked with for the last few years, he has been there

from the start. Is that normal? Not always. It was a

statement of intent. If I was Ronnie, as I've said, he hasn't

played well in the last few months, hasn't won the tournament is entered

this season, not a lot of success since the Masters. I think he

appreciates the big events, wants to win the big events. At the end of

the day, he is a winning machine. He wants to win here badly. On the

verge of winning this one, let's get back.

COMMENTATOR: Played it confidently enough to stop this side of the

balkline. A choice of pork colours. -- baulk colours. He's played really

well at the championship this year, Gary Wilson, he really has. In the

last few frames he's run into the real Ronnie O'Sullivan. He would

have given a headache to plenty of players in this tournament, the way

he's played. Of course, he's not out of it, it's just asking to climb a

mountain to win the next five frames against Ronnie. But he has played

well. Actually reached the final of the

China open in 2015. Beaten in the final by the world number one, Mark

Selby. Took some big scalps along the way to get to the final.

Including, I think, Judd Trump, in that one. He's beaten some good

players. He couldn't have hit that any

better, that's perfect. Just needs a full ball cannon on the top red at

that apex with plenty of pace and then you need a bit of luck.

Could not have played it any better, nobody could. Good shot.

He's 31 years of age now, Gary Wilson. They used to say, in the

early days, you didn't reach your peak at snooker until you in your

mid-30s. When you'd learned your craft. It's not all about potting.

He had six years off the tour. It's well documented he started doing a

bit of taxi driving. I first met him, he came on big break, his

parents wrote in and he came on as a guest when he was about seven. And

here we are, 24 years later. But obviously has the ability, but

sometimes you have to find yourself, so you can produce when you are

under pressure. What he's shown me in this match, he's on the verge of

being able to do that. So keep your eye out for the name. It's Wilson!

I also think, John... When you've been on the circuit, lost your card

and come back again. You are sure to appreciate it a lot more and make

the most of it. You have more experienced about what happened. The

finest example of that was the Aussie, Neil Robertson. Came over

the first time, lost his card and didn't look like he was going

anywhere, then came back and what a player he has been. Winner in 2010,

winning lots of events, the Masters, and so on as I can happen. Just back

again. Sometimes eight week to your cue action some confidence from and

you can come back a different player.

Unintended kiss on the second red. Ruined his position slightly because

he has to go in and out of baulk, so the cue ball will have to travel a

bit of distance. This is when the positional side can go wrong.

He's had a couple of, the red closest to the right corner, he's

had a couple of opportunities to pot that. I can only assume the black is

not available. Back up for the blue and a nice

sporting angle. -- a nice potting angle.

Obviously not, back up for the blue. As you see, the pink doesn't go.

Another three reds and three colours, you think, would take him

past the snookers required stage. We will say it is very difficult to do

it with just the blue and baulk colours to play with. They have two

player little cannon here. -- to play a little cannon here. This is

the first thought of shot in this break where he has a bit of a

quandary. Yes, and there you go. Trying to hold it, didn't quite have

the right angle and consequently completely mis-hit that.

I think there's a positivity that Ronnie could play this red to the

left middle. As we know, the black and pink aren't available but he

could play a little cannon and bring the black into play.

Well, he got the cannon on the red next to the black but it hasn't put

him on a colour. Wanted to cannon the black and the red.

Just got to be a little careful with this safety shot, Gary. Chipping a

red towards the corner... Played it a bit thicker, good choice of shot,

that. Well played. Very well executed safety from

Ronnie. A little bit thin, but at first

look, no harm done. Ronnie will be trying to get this one off the

cushion here. Wasn't really expecting to make that

pot but didn't want the cannon on the colour, because that cue ball

should have been down by the baulk area. Took a slight chance playing

it the way he did, and because of that, he's left the pot on.

And now he's knocked that in, nicely on the black, two reds nicely

available for the same pocket. He's hanging on in their, a good reply,

this, from Gary. There you see it, 60 ahead, just 51

remaining, no way back to the table now for Ronnie.

That's a pity. Anyway, it doesn't matter, frame well and truly over.

Good effort! Well, he's keeping his hopes alive. He's going to make

Ronnie have to win this. Gary Wilson did well, still trailing by three

and Ronnie one frame away from a place in the second round. 9-6.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy our coverage of this year's World

Championship. Steven Hendry brings a great

championship to an end. Great features and more on the BBC

sport website. Radio five live will bring new

updates throughout the day. Steve Davis continues his tapestry

of titles. You can join in association

conversation via social media. Ken Doherty!

Live action on the BBC sport up, mobile phone, tablet and connected

TV. John Parrott lifts the world title.

As well as our live coverage on BBC One and BBC Two, we are on the red

button. Join Hazel and the team from 7pm tonight and for this evening's

matches, just press red. HAZEL IRVINE: Morning, noon and night at

the Crucible and the 1st of May. This man would love to be involved

for as long as he possibly can. He looks so calm. That has been a

feature of his demeanour the whole way through and clearly he has not

given up. Fighting a bit of a losing battle here, Gary Wilson. But on his

debut, 31 from Tyneside, is making a very good fight of this, Steve? He

certainly is. The only question would be from Ronnie O'Sullivan's

perspective it if it's good to get a work-out or not. What would you

prefer? Easy, get it over and about. Leave the Crucible for a few days,

let everyone else let out, relax and come back for the second round.

Enjoyable so far, three centuries, two from Ronnie and one from Gary.

Ronnie still needing another one to get over the line and into rounder

two. Back we go. COMMENTATOR: You, Hazel. I can't believe you asked

that question to Steven Hendry, easy round or tough opening-round! Easy,

no contest. Needs to stop short of the baulk line. Just went back a bit

too far. Good pot. Just a bit too much pace.

He is looking at the potting angle on the green. Will have to play this

with a lot of pace. And he played it beautifully. In fact, if you were

being picky, I think he played it to do well. Don't be too picky! How

well did he hit that?! Well... Oh and as soon as he hit it

he knew he didn't hit the middle of the ball. A bit of unintentional

left-hand side and pushed the cue ball, that's why he hit the pot

thick. He knew as soon as he hit it. Well done. Lovely opening red,

tricky, blind pocket. Add to control the pace of the cue ball to make

sure he stayed on a baulk colour. These are positioned very nicely.

Yes, the type of situation where you don't have to bring the reds into

play, because it is quite enough in the open as it is. The black is

available into both corners. The blue is nicely on its spot. A good

chance. So, what is Gary Wilson thinking

about the moment? I can assure you he not about winning the match just

yet, too early, three frames behind. So when you are in this situation

you are trying to make the most of your opportunities and just keep

plugging away. He's under no extreme pressure yet, because it doesn't

look like he's going to win this match. It will only be if he gets

9-79- eight Annie will start he can win it. At the moment he's probably

playing with a little bit of freedom.

Not the best. That cannon was always on, was Nick? You had to play it a

little more firm to make sure you screw the cue ball back a bit. He

has the red to the corner pocket but it shouldn't have been this

difficult. Now, I think the one just above the

black, to the left of the black, is available into the opposite corner

that he's playing this red. In fact, I think it's the red he played for a

couple of shots ago. When we look from behind the pocket, we will see

if there is a red available. There it is, the one on the left. This is

impressive, John, isn't it? Yes. Doing very well here.

25 more points until the snookers required stage.

A little cannon here, just click the left-hand red out and leave himself

on the other one. A change of plan on the positional

play. Can play on this one, but so good he landed on it he thought he'd

take it. Five hours match time. Didn't see a lot of the first

session, the Thursday night friends, but we have been treated to some

excellent snooker in this second session, no doubt about that. A

couple of reds, a couple of colours, and he will be over the winning line

in this frame. Yes, I can certainly see why he

qualified. Nice touch, good break-builder, what you call a very

clean Potter. Everything seems to go in the middle of the pocket. All in

all, quite impressive. And not afraid to be out there,

either, which is the biggest thing. Already made 100 break in this

session, in frame 11, he made a break of exactly 100.

Seems like only that awkward red near the left-hand side cushion is

going to stop him making a second century in the match. Ronnie has

made two. But it just shows you, John, what a fine line... Ronnie

played that tremendous green, missed the red in the corner and had to sit

down, frame over. Good stuff. He can just drop this in the middle.

Guaranteed to be on a baulk colour. It's there. And deserves a century.

This has been a wonderful contribution.

As I say, he's not quite at that stage yet where he's thinking he's

going to win this match. He's just trying to win one frame at a time at

the moment, just trying to peg back Ronnie's leader. The pressure will

come later on, if he's still in the match. Superb. A wonderful hundred.

Yes, and we saw Ronnie make a 124. ... Gary, there was a chance, you

could have beaten that. But he has won the frame and wants to get on

with the next one. He has reduced his deficit now to just two friends.

Gary Wilson putting up a fight here against Ronnie, 9-7. HAZEL IRVINE:

He sure is. That is the second of this match, in terms of centuries

and his tent since he started qualifying last week. This is the

world number 59. What does it say? Firstly, a bit unfortunate he has

drawn Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round. Again someone else he might

have even been better placed at the moment. It shows you how tough it is

to stay on the tour. To get down that far in the ranking list, you

must played some bad stuff as well, but still nice to produce something

like this at the Crucible. It gives you heart. Two last 16s in Northern

Ireland and China. Those are the sort of standout features of his

season. He was struggling a bit to stay on the tour but what do you

make of the way he has stuck to his task today? You can say when he goes

9-5 down he has nothing to lose and can relax. But the other side of the

coin, could just give up. He wants to stay out there as long as

possible. He's doing in the best possible way. One visit staff. Yes,

he is still in it and it's not done yet.

Maybe a few twists and turns before we get to the end of this match.

Oooh. Found a plant. In all honesty, if he thought it was a plant, you

should have made certain he left the cue ball short of the baulk line.

Yeah, they look easy when they roll them dead weight. As I say, though

it was a three, four ball plant so we couldn't guarantee it, so he was

more concerned with the cue ball. I was just going to say, to roll tight

behind the brown, it's not easy on this cloth. And you're worried you

don't quite reach. We've all done that when you come up just short and

it's your shot next anything, why didn't I hit it harder? He has the

snooker, though. Easy enough to hit. Did he hit it hard enough? Lovely

touch! Need a good cue ball here. There are

a few breads sticking out. They could be possible if you don't get a