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

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

A spectator wears a Ronnie O'Sullivan mask prior to day one of the World Snooker Championship at Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, on April 17. A maximum of 33 per cent of the venue capacity were in attendance as part of a Government pilot event. Getty

A general view outside the Crucible Theatre prior to the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. Getty

A spectator has her mobile ticket scanned before Day 1 of the World Snooker Championships. PA

A spectator has his details checked by security. PA

A spectator uses hand sanitiser at the entrance before day one of the World Snooker Championships. PA

A spectator has their details checked by security outside The Crucible, Sheffield. PA

A spectator has their ticket scanned by a member of staff. Getty

A spectator has his mobile ticket scanned. Getty

A general view of play during the Round 1 match between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Joyce. Getty

Spectators wait for the start of play at The Crucible. Getty

A sign highlighting social distancing regulations. Getty

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."