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The curse of the Crucible struck again as defending champion Luca Brecel lost 10-9 to David Gilbert in the first round of the World Snooker Championship. Belgian Brecel was 9-6 up against the Englishman but wasn’t able to convert when he was in amongst the balls.

Brecel’s early exit not only means there will be a new World Snooker Champion, but it also means since Snooker’s biggest showpiece was moved to Sheffield at The Crucible Theatre in 1977, a player who wins the championship for the first time has not gone on to defend his title the following year.

Elite players such as seven-time World Champions Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry have not been able to do it, nor has modern great Judd Trump. Another player who classifies as one of the greats in the modern is Leicester-born Mark Selby.

The Jester from Leicester as he is affectionately known is trailing 7-3 in his match against Joe O’Connor, which is no joking matter.

For the neutral, this will only add to the intrigue, especially since former World Number One and former World champion Neil Robertson has not qualified for this year’s tournament.

Ali Carter, who lost to The Rocket O’Sullivan 10-7 in what became a bad-tempered Masters final, is also out. The Captain, lost 10-7 to Stephen Maguire.

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