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Graeme Dott has established a 5-3 lead over Neil Robertson after a sluggish opening session of the World Championship final saw both players struggle to hit peak form.

Dott had chances in every frame of the afternoon. He deserved to lead by at least two frames as "The Thunder from Down Under" failed to exhibit the array of potting wares that has carried him to number four in the world.

Australian Robertson, playing in his first final at the Crucible, could have been further behind if Dott had capitalised fully on his opportunities.

A break of 80 gave the Scotsman the opening frame before Robertson won a scrappy second to level at 1-1. Further errors by the Grand Prix champion saw Dott regain the lead.

The last frame before the mid-session interval fell to Dott. Robertson rolled in 33, but missed a black that ultimately proved fatal as he fell 3-1 behind.

The afternoon was developing a pattern as Dott got in first, but failed to win the frame at one visit.

One of the Scot's major improvements at this event has been his ability to score heavily. He has also markedly stepped up his pace since he defeated Peter Ebdon to win it in 2006.

A 125-1 shot to win this tournament before a ball was potted, Dott looked likely to make it 4-1, but missed an easy red on 56. Robertson stepped in with an immaculate 62 to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The final is being broadcast live to Australia and Robertson's mum has flown in from Melbourne to see her son.

He is bidding to become the first man from outside the British Isles to win the title since Canada's Cliff Thorburn in 1980. He restored parity in the next frame.

There was little between the pair, but a safety error by Dott allowed his opponent to make the decisive contribution.

Dott was rubbing his face with a towel. He was obviously feeling the effects of a gruelling 17-13 win over Mark Selby in the semi-final.

Dott is nothing if not tenacious. He steeled himself to win the seventh frame with a break of 57.

Robertson had the chance to draw level in the final frame of the afternoon, but saw a brown wriggle out.

Dott composed himself to take the necessary balls for a 5-3 lead.

On a day that has been overshadowed by the bribe allegations surrounding his manager Pat Mooney and fellow Scottish player John Higgins, Dott will be happy to have played enough solid snooker.

Robertson will require a significant improvement in the break building department when they resume this evening at 8pm BST for the second session.

Desmond Kane / Eurosport