Brecel had never won a World Championship match until an incredible run in 2023, including victories over former world champions Mark Williams, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby, led to him clinching his maiden world title.
No first-time Crucible winner has then gone on to retain their title the following year, and the 29-year-old is aiming to break the so-called ‘Crucible Curse’.
He could not have made a better start, racing through the opening two frames with England’s Gilbert not earning a single point.
The 2019 semi-finalist took the next two frames, thanks to breaks of 70 and 77, although Brecel quickly regained control after the interval with three frames in a row to move 5-2 ahead.
Gilbert responded with his century, before Brecel took the longest frame of the session for his 6-3 advantage.
Jak Jones reached the quarter-finals last year, beating two-time runner-up Ali Carter and former champion Neil Robertson, and was in action on the other table in the morning session against world number 11 Zhang.
Qualifer Jones made breaks of 71, 68, 71 and 75 to take control. That match will be concluded from 10:00 BST on Sunday.