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A snooker referee was forced to issue an apology mid-match on the opening day of the World Championship. The iconic Crucible Theatre set the scene for the prestigious event as 32 players battled it out for the coveted world title.

The first day of action saw Zhao Xintong take on qualifier Liam Highfield in the opening round one clash, as the 2025 champion embarked on his defence of the title he won for the very first time 12 months ago. The first round encounter was a best-of-19 frames contest, with both Xintong and Highfield needing to reach 10 frames to progress to the second round of the tournament.

Nine of a possible 19 frames were scheduled to be played during the opening session on Saturday, however the match referee made an error during proceedings.

Snooker referee Rob Spencer announced before the eighth frame that it would be the last frame of the session. "Thank you, the final frame of the session," experienced referee Spencer said before the start of the eighth frame.

Highfield, making his first appearance at the Crucible in the World Championship in four years, was quick to correct Spencer.

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"Oh, hang on. No. No, it isn't. No. Sorry," Spencer said.

"I'm stuck from the other week, aren't I? Correction. The eighth frame. Liam Highfield to break."

Spencer's remarks related to his role as referee at the recent Tour Championship in Manchester, a competition won by Xintong, with spectators at the Crucible witnessing that match seeing the humorous side of the blunder.

Xintong kicked off his title defence by moving ahead 5-4 against Highfield in the opening round one match on Saturday, with the second session set to begin at 7pm that same evening.

Elsewhere, Mark Williams holds a 5-3 advantage over Antoni Kowalski in their round one clash in Sheffield, while Xiao Guodong leads 4-3 in his match against Zhou Yuelong.

The round one contest between Barry Hawkins and Matthew Stevens is due to get underway in the evening session at the Crucible at approximately 7pm.