Mark Selby v Joe O’Connor live stream | World Snooker Championship 2024 preview

Mark Selby begins his quest for a fifth World Championship title with an all-Leicester First Round clash against debutant Joe O’Connor.

The Jester boasts one of the strongest records at the Crucible, where he was also runner-up to Luca Brecel 12 months ago, with only Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry (both seven) and Steve Davis (six) triumphing on more occasions.

Following his run to last year’s showpiece – in which he became the first player to compile a maximum break – Selby has now reached at least the semi-finals in his three of his last four appearances in Sheffield.

Although, despite winning the Championship League and reaching the British Open final, the world number five arrives for his 20th successive appearance fresh from claiming he might walk away the sport.

Following his first-round defeat by Gary Wilson at the Tour Championship, Selby said he would hang up his cue after the World Championship should his performance and enjoyment levels not improve.

That may encourage O’Connor, who was runner-up to his fellow Leicester cueist at the Championship League, as he looks to mark his Crucible bow with a notable scalp.

The world number 30 is the only debutant at this year’s tournament following a pair of contrasting victories in qualifying.

First, he comprehensively swept Julien Leclercq aside 10-1, but was forced to dig deep before eventually battling past former Indian Open champion Matt Selt 10-8.

In qualifying for the Crucible, O’Connor has equalled his best performance in a ranking event this season by reaching the last 32 for a fifth event, but will undoubtedly want to better that and prove he is not here just to make up the numbers.

The winner of this best-of-19 encounter will play either Kyren Wilson or Dominic Dale in the World Championship second round.

Play gets under way at 10am BST on Sunday with the opening nine frames, while playing to a conclusion with a maximum of 10 at 2.30pm the following day.

How to watch Mark Selby v Joe O’Connor live stream

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1) Go to Bet365.com via this special link

2) Register an account, place a £10 first bet and get £30 in Free Bets* (18+ only, T&Cs apply)

3) Once registered, go to the sports homepage and select ‘Snooker’ from the left-hand menu

4) Select the play icon next to the match in progress and the stream window will appear

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All matches are also available to watch live at Sky Bet. To watch, simply:

1) Go to Sky Bet via this special link

2) Register an account (18+)

3) Get £30 in Free Bets when you place ANY first bet*

4) Go to the Snooker menu and select ‘Watch Live’ next to the match in progress

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