Luca Brecel (Photo by Benutzer:Bill da Flute)
2023 Crucible king Luca Brecel saw off Chang Bingyu 10-8 in a pulsating contest to make Judgement Day at Halo World Championship qualifying in Sheffield.
Since capturing snooker’s biggest prize three years ago, Brecel has failed to hit the same heights in the aftermath and as a result now finds himself ranked 46th in the world.
However, when the Bullet is on form his dazzling best is a match for anyone, as proven this afternoon in a match which produced fireworks for a packed crowd at the English Institute of Sport.
Having returned to the tour after suspension this season, Bingyu showed his talents at the Scottish Open when he was runner-up to Chris Wakelin. He also made a 147 during UK Championship qualifying.
That maximum proved to be worth its weight in gold when Bingyu made a stunning 147 to end the opening session of this tie with Brecel 5-4 up. It means he is in position to land a potential £172,000 payout, by virtue of making two in the majors this season.
A dazzling afternoon of snooker saw Brecel craft breaks of 51, 70, 81, 120, 63 and 52 to earn a final round showdown with former finalist Jak Jones, who beat Marco Fu 10-6.
Brecel said: “I enjoyed it a lot. It was mentally quite exhausting to play to that level the whole game. We started off well and we never looked back. Every frame was in one visit. It was a very high level and I’m happy to be the winner.
“It is nice to have an easy starter in the qualifiers! The level he produced isn’t going to get any better than that. It was a good start for me really, because by winning it gives me a lot of confidence. There was a really good crowd and it is nice to be able to play here.
“Jak is another tough game. You can’t predict what is going to happen. All I know is that I will have to play to the same level again to have a chance. It is nice to be still in there.”
Anthony McGill completed an epic fightback, winning six in a row to see off Martin O’Donnell 10-9 and earn a place in the final round.
The Scot crafted contributions of 74, 63, 51, 128 and 72 to come from 9-4 down and score an unlikely victory. Next up for McGill is a Judgement Day meeting with Ali Carter.
Carter reeled off eight consecutive frames himself to beat Belgium’s Julien Leclercq 10-5. The two-time finalist top scored with 142.
World number 18 Jack Lisowski progressed despite a strong showing from German amateur Umut Dikme. Northern Ireland Open champion Lisowski prevailed 10-7 and will now face He Guoqiang, who beat Long Zehuang 10-8.
Ben Mertens is one match away from a Crucible debut after beating Yuan Sijun 10-9. He faces Fan Zhengyi, who scored a 10-4 defeat of Jimmy Robertson.
THIRD ROUND RESULTS
Liam Highfield (Eng) bt Stephen Maguire (Sco) 10-5
Anthony McGill (Sco) bt Martin O’Donnell (Eng) 10-9
He Guoqiang (Chn) bt Long Zehuang (Chn) 10-8
Ali Carter (Eng) bt Julien Leclercq (Ger) 10-5
Ben Mertens (Ger) bt Yuan Sijun (Chn) 10-9
Jack Lisowski (Eng) bt Umut Dikme (Ger) 10-7
Jak Jones (Wal) bt Marco Fu (Hkg) 10-6
Luca Brecel (Ger) bt Chang Bingyu (Chn) 10-8
Zhang Anda (Chn) bt Bulcsu Revesz (Hun) 10-6
Xu Si (Chn) bt Liu Hongyu (Chn) 10-8
Ryan Day (Wal) bt Chadha Singh (Ind) 10-8
Gary Wilson (Eng) bt Allan Taylor (Eng) 10-1
Leo Peifan (Chn) bt Jordan Brown (Eng) 10-4
Zak Surety (Eng) bt Oliver Sykes (Eng) 10-3
Oliver Lines (Eng) bt Ben Woollaston (Eng) 10-8
Fan Zhengyi (Chn) bt Jimmy Robertson (Eng) 10-4
