BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2001 | World Snooker Championship

BBC Sport Online presents highlights of the action and reaction from the first round of the World Snooker Championship.

Day one

Mark Williams had to work hard before beating Billy Snaddon
The defending champion makes it through to the second round
Defending champion Mark Williams made it safely into round two after a hard fought 10-4 win over Scotsman Billy Snaddon. The condition of the table was criticised by both players with Snaddon describing it as "disgraceful". Williams admits he has room for improvement before his next match.

real 14kClick here to hear BBC Sport's Phil Yates match report.

real 14k Listen to Mark Williams on his victory.

Day two

Paul Hunter in action
A comfortable win for Paul Hunter
Masters champion Paul Hunter, tipped by many to go far at the Crucible, completed a 10-6 win over David Roe scoring three century breaks in the process. Last year's runner up Matthew Stevens, Anthony Hamilton and Dave Harold also recorded victories to move into round two.

real 56k Watch the highlights from day two.

real 14kListen to BBC Sport's Phil Yates' match report.

real 14k Listen to Matthew Stevens, who beat Tony Drago 10-1.

real 14k Listen to Anthony Hamilton who saw off Crucible debutant Marcus Campbell.

real 14k Listen to Dave Harold, who beat Quintin Hann.

real 14k Click here to hear Hann's reaction to his defeat.

real 14k Listen to Masters champion Paul Hunter talk about his win over David Roe.

Day three

Phil Ebdon powers on
Peter Ebdon held his nerve and pulled off a stunning late comback against James Wattana, winning 10-8. Ken Doherty fought off a tough challenge from England's Nick Dyson, but Ireland's Ronnie O'Sullivan cruised into round two, needing only 35 minutes of the second session, to finish off Andy Hicks.

real 56k Watch Selected highlights of day three.

real 14kListen to BBC Sport's Clive Everton's match report on Wattana v Ebdon.

real 14k Listen to Peter Ebdon on his round one win.

real 14k Listen to James Wattana after his disappointing loss.

real 14k Listen to BBC Sport's Clive Everton's match report on Doherty v Dyson.

real 14k Listen to Ken Doherty's comments after his win.

real 56k Watch Ronnie O'Sullivan's reaction to his win.

Day four

Alan McManus can't believe his eyes
A shocking day at the Crucible as 3 seeded players fall in the first round. Eighth seed Alan McManus faired the worst, suffering a 10-2 defeat at the hands of Patrick Wallace; England's Andy King was on top from to dismiss ninth seed Fergal O'Brien and veteran John Parrott fell to youngster Michael Judge.

real 56k Watch Selected highlights of day four.

real 14kListen to BBC Sport's Clive Everton's round-up of Tuesday's action.

real 14k Listen to Mark King on his round one win.

real 56k Watch John Parrott's comments after his round one exit.

real 56k Watch Michael Judge's reaction to his triumph over John Parrott.

real 56k Watch Patrick Wallace's comments after his debut victory.

Day five

Joe Swail keeps his nerve
Joe Swail put on a nail-biting show against newcomer Sean Storey, emerging with a narrow 10-9 win after an amazing comeback. John Higgins eased past Graeme Dott, winning 10-4 and Chris Small won his match against Marco Fu just before midnight, after an epic eight hour battle.

real 56k Watch BBC Sport Online's highlights of all the action from day five.

real 56k Watch Joe Swail's reaction to his nail-biting win.

real 14k Listen to BBC Sport's Phil Yates' report on the Small v Fu match.

real 14k Listen to Marco Fu's comments after losing to Chris Small.

real 56k Watch John Higgins' commnets after his round one win.

Day six

Stephen Lee has a confident start
Though on the hunt for his eight world championship title, Stephen Hendry put in an unconvincing performance in his first round match against Mark Davies, finally winning the match 10-5. Stephen Lee, however, had a confident start to title quest, beating Nigel Bond 10-3.