World Snooker Championship news: Ronnie O'Sullivan sets up lead, Mark Selby progresses

Ronnie O'Sullivan fought back from an early scare against David Gilbert to take a commanding lead into Sunday at the Dart's World Championship, while Mark Selby had a relatively easy time of things against Jamie Jones.

Many scoffed when O'Sullivan predicted his tie against Gilbert could be a banana skin, especially considering his 7-0 record against the Englishman in tournament meetings.

O'Sullivan found his groove with a hundred break in the fourth and took control from there to earn a 6-3 lead ahead of Sunday's deciding session but the signs of a potential upset are there.

Defending champion Selby began his tournament against Welshman Jones, who was a qualifier for the event.

"It was just nice to be back playing." Mark Selby wins through, but says it was emotional walking out to defend his Betfred World Snooker Championship title. #ilovesnooker | @wearewst pic.twitter.com/EIpPU5g4JU

"It was great. Emotional walking out today and I got a great reception. It is nice to be back playing and wasn't sure if I would play in the World Championship. The result for me today was irrelevant, I am happy to win and I enjoyed it," Selby said.

Fortunately for him, Jones did not fully capitalise and got off to a terrible start by allowing the world number two to take an early two-frame lead.

Credit where it is due, Jones fought back well and won four of the next five frames to move into a 4-3 lead. But from then on it was virtually all Selby, who took the tie 10-7.

"I fought on and I showed heart. I never give up - that's the only way I know how to play - and made it hard for Mark. I can be proud of myself and could have rolled over at 8-3 but stuck in there with the world champ," said Jones after the match.

Zhao Xintong put