Snooker's blue riband event, played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in England, was one of a handful of sports that were selected to trial spectators at limited capacity as part of a Government pilot scheme.

A socially-distanced crowd of just over 200 people, some of whom wore face coverings inside the arena, enjoyed the first day's play today, which included the progression of defending champion Judd Trump, however for the next fortnight the event will be played behind closed doors.

The announcement that the testing of spectators at sports events in England would be postponed came two hours after play started in Sheffield, with fans remaining at the venue for the two sessions of play that took place after the news was revealed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"We realise this will be a huge disappointment for fans who were excited to witness the magic of the Crucible over the next fortnight, and we feel the same ourselves," said World Snooker Tour (WST) chairman Barry Hearn.

"At every stage of this process we have been following Government guidelines and working with them on the correct procedures. 

"We have had very positive feedback from the Government, they have been impressed by the measures we have implemented. 

"Safety has always been our number one priority and we have met every aspect of the Government guidelines in this regard.

"Above all it’s a great shame for people who had those golden tickets, but in the circumstances we are now living in we have to accept the decision and move on."

The spectator pilot scheme was postponed until August 15 at the earliest, with Hearn hopeful that spectators may be able to attend the final of the tournament, which takes place on August 15 and 16.

On the baize, defending champion Trump survived a scare coming from behind to beat fellow Englishman Tom Ford.

Ford opened up a lead of 3-0 and 5-2 and took a 5-4 lead into the second session, before he regained his two frame advantage.

Trump fought back and in frame 15 he notched up his hundredth century break of the season, putting him three behind Australian Neil Robertson's single season record of 103.

In the day's three other matches, former world champion Stuart Bingham leads Ashley Carty 5-4 in an all-England affair, China's Ding Junhui leads England's Mark King 5-4 and Scotland's Alan McManus leads Wales' Mark Williams 5-4.

All three of those tightly poised matches conclude tomorrow, with two more getting underway, including multiple world champion John Higgins of Scotland, who faces Wales' Matthew Stevens, himself a two-time World Championship finalist.

In the other match due to start today, England's Kyren Wilson was given a walkover against compatriot Anthony Hamilton, after Hamilton withdrew from the event despite progressing to the main draw through qualifying.

Hamilton, who has severe asthma, pulled out yesterday because he was concerned about the effect the planned presence of fans could have on his health.