Overview

• David Gilbert clinched a 10-9 victory over Luca Brecel, overturning a 6-3 deficit in a thrilling match.
• Brecel, the 2023 champion, becomes the 19th first-time winner to lose in the first round at the Crucible Theatre.
• Gilbert's win, characterized by three consecutive half-centuries and a crucial 65-point break, marks a significant comeback.
• Brecel expressed relief at the end of his championship year, citing discomfort with the heightened attention.
• Other matches saw Judd Trump and Ali Carter gain leads in their respective games, setting the stage for intense competition.