World Snooker Championship 2023: Luca Brecel powers into 6-2 lead over Mark Selby in Crucible final

Luca Brecel powered into a 6-2 lead over Mark Selby in the World Championship final as he laid a marker on his opponent to play the match on his own terms. The biggest match on the snooker calendar was built up as a battle between the fast, flowing style of Brecel and the tactical, slower Selby, who is playing in his sixth Crucible final.

Ad Brecel fluked a red with his first pot of the match but showed no sign of nerves as he quickly knocked in a 77 in six minutes. World Championship‘You can’t predict what he’s going to do’ – O’Sullivan on how Brecel is beating Selby2 HOURS AGO His lead was soon doubled after coming out on top in a tight second frame, where Selby missed a few chances to steal the frame.

Selby missed a black off its spot early in frame three and was punished with a superb 90 by Brecel, who showed he didn’t want to get bogged down in lengthy periods of play. The next two frames were shared either side of the interval and Brecel won a close sixth frame that came down to the final blue, pink and black.

Exclusive: O’Sullivan weighs in on Selby snooker GOAT debate ‘Water off a duck’s back’ – Selby not concerned by trolls Brecel led 66-49 but was caught in a big safety battle with Selby, before cutting the blue thinly into the yellow pocket. Selby responded with a 62 to pull a frame back but missed a mid-range red early in the final frame of the session and Brecel took advantage yet again with a superb 70.

Nine frames will be played on the second session, which begins at 19:00 UK time on Eurosport and discovery+. — — - Stream top snooker action, including the 2023 World Championship, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com World ChampionshipExclusive: O'Sullivan breaks down Brecel's ‘best