Fans finally welcomed back to watch sport in England – in pictures

Sanitisers, scans, face masks and 33 per cent capacity at World Snooker Championship

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Spectators returned to sport in England on Saturday as Ronnie O'Sullivan started the defence of his World Championship crown at the Crucible.

As one of the Government's pilot events, which are being used to help England and sport out of lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, the venue in Sheffield opened its doors to fans again.

Six-time world champion O'Sullivan was taking on Mark Joyce in the first session of the tournament, with Martin Gould playing Yan Bingtao on the other table.

All four players walked to the table to applause from the crowd, which was set to be at 33 per cent capacity for the first round.

With sanitiser stations provided around the venue, fans had their tickets scanned before sitting in designated seats socially distanced.

World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn tweeted: "Here we go! Blood, sweat and tears but after all the problems and setbacks we are on the brink of a return to normality thanks to the unbelievable efforts of the @WeAreWST team. My thanks to everyone involved. Now sit back and enjoy the greatest snooker show on earth."