Crucible inexperience handcuffs youngster Yan

SHEFFIELD, England - Yan Bingtao became the first player born in this century to play in the World Snooker Championship, but the Chinese teenager's Crucible debut didn't go as he would have hoped on Sunday.

Yan, born in February 2000, arrived in Sheffield hailed as one of the brightest young stars in a growing band of Chinese players making an impact on the sport.

The 17-year-old showed glimpses of the talent that many expect will bring him a host of trophies over the course of his career, making a fine 109 break in the second frame of his first-round tie against Shaun Murphy.