Today’s the day – the greatest snooker event in the world is set to begin.

Mark Selby. Picture by Monique Limbos

The 2018 World Championship starts from 10am this morning at its traditional home – the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The opening day will see the world’s best two players take to the famous arena Mark Selby and Ronnie O’Sullivan with some other cracking first round matches in store.

As defending champion, Selby’s match against Joe Perry will conclude by the close of play today – will Selby start well or will there be a major shock?

All the action can be watched on the BBC 2 and BBC Sport Online and on Eurosport UK and its online channel Eurosport Player.

Below is a list of the matches being played or starting today. 

10am – Mark Selby vs Joe Perry, Marco Fu vs Lyu Haotian

2.30pm – Kyren Wilson vs Matthew Stevens, Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Stephen Maguire

7pm – Mark Selby vs Joe Perry (final session), Ali Carter vs Graeme Dott.