World number one Judd Trump clawed back from a 4-1 deficit to edge Gary Wilson 5-4 in the opening session of the 2026 World Snooker Championship. The 36‑year‑old, 2019 champion, seized the last four frames with breaks of 128 and 77, prompting Stephen Hendry to praise the quality of his finish. A win would cement his bid for a third world title this decade.

Wilson, ranked 27th and a three‑time ranking‑event winner, flashed his own brilliance in frame five with a dazzling 139 clearance, the highest of the session. Trump’s resurgence keeps him atop the world rankings, a position he has held since August 2024, and a win would secure his place in the last‑16 and preserve his lead. Hendry called it Trump’s finest display.

Later Tuesday, seven‑time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan opens his campaign against 25‑year‑old Chinese debutant He Guoqiang, while 20‑year‑old York‑born Liam Pullen, back on tour after Q‑School, posted breaks of 57, 63, 97 and 58 in a tight 4-5 loss to Chris Wakelin. Their performances underline a surge of young English talent at the Crucible. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.