World Snooker Championship Begins

The tournament's opening session was marked by both somber reflection and early drama on the baize.

A referee was forced to apologize after a 'careless blunder' during the contest between Zhao Xintong and Liam Highfield.

Reigning champion Zhao is under intense scrutiny following his previous ban in a match-fixing scandal, while legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams prepare for their first-round matches.

The event remains the most prestigious in the sport, drawing a quietly chic cohort of supporters and global television audiences.