Judd Trump launches his latest bid for a maiden World Championship title when he locks horns with the methodical Rory McLeod in the first round at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Tuesday.

The world number two has been the most consistent performer on the circuit this season – capturing two titles at the European Masters and Players Championship, as well as reaching a further three finals.

Therefore, he will be eager to build on his current momentum by finally getting his hands on the biggest trophy in snooker.

Trump did not really do himself justice at the Crucible 12 months ago – falling 6-2 behind against Ding Junhui after a poor opening session in the second round, before eventually succumbing to a 13-10 defeat.

Nevertheless, the Ace, who reached the final in 2011 before losing 17-16 in the semis four years later, will be as determined as ever to go the extra steps in Sheffield.

He will not find things too easy in round one, however, and will see his aggressive attacking play countered by the methodical McLeod, by whom he will be desperate not to get bogged down too much.

The 46-year-old, who became the first black player to qualify for the Crucible in 2009, is back for his third appearance at the iconic venue and first for six years.

He did so after beating Darryl Hill, Sydney Wilson and Hammad Miah in the qualifiers at Ponds Forge to reach the Last 32 of a ranking event for only the fourth time this season.

The world number 59 has only progressed beyond that stage on one occasion at the China Open last month, but will be desperate to match that and equal his best Crucible performance by claiming a huge scalp here.

Stephen Maguire awaits the winner of this best-of-19 match in the second round of the 2017 World Championship.

Play gets underway at 2.30pm BST on Tuesday with the first nine frames, before a maximum of 10 will conclude the match at 10am on Wednesday at the Crucible.