Barry Hawkins opened up a dominant 7-2 lead over Alexander Ursenbacher after the first session of their Betfred World Championship opening round clash.

Hawkins boasts one of the most impressive Crucible records in the sport over recent years. Since 2013, he’s reached a final, four semi-finals and a quarter-final at snooker’s Theatre of Dreams.

Ursenbacher came through qualifying with a thrilling 10-8 win over Andrew Higginson to become the first Swiss player to reach the final stages of the World Championship.

With his very first shot at the Crucible, Ursenbacher fired in a tremendous long red and made 54 from it, as he claimed the opening frame.

However, from there Hawkins took complete control of the tie. Breaks of 70, 56, 57, 62 and 65 saw the world number 15 pull clear of his opponent and establish a 7-2 advantage.

They will return to play to a conclusion on Wednesday afternoon from 1 pm.

Source: World Snooker