Fansareback atcrucible amidprotests
Protestors marred the start of the Betfred World Championship yesterday.
The annual 17-day tournament has been chosen as one of Government’s pilot events to reintegrate fans back into sport.
And spectators returned to live action for the first time this year on the opening day of the Crucible.
Around two thirds of the allowed capacity crowd of around 325 per session was filled.
A group of protestors outside the venue voiced their displeasure at fans being allowed back inside the Crucible.
Fans have to complete a four-step process to gain access to the iconic arena.
Ticket holders have to provide a negative test, sign a consent form, show photographic ID and sign in via the NHS Track & Trace app.
And they will be asked to take another test home with them after the event.
Meanwhile, play was stopped for
the first time in the 94-year history of the World Champion as a mark of respect for HRH Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip.
Stephen Maguire’s match was one of those affected and he will have to battle from behind to keep his title hopes alive.
The Scot squandered a healthy 3-0 lead to finish his first session against qualifier Jamie Jones 5-4 behind.
World No. 8 Maguire won the first three frames with a top break of 51.
But he lost five frames on the bounce, before clinching the vital last frame of the session.
Neil Robertson, the 2010 Crucible King, holds a commanding 6-3 overnight lead in his match against China’s Liang Wenbo.
Yan Bingtao, who could break Stephen Hendry’s record as the youngest world champion, was tied at 4-4 with Martin Gould.