Jak Jones Eliminates 2023 Champion Luca Brecel From 2026 World Snooker Championship
Image: World Snooker Tour

Jak Jones Eliminates 2023 Champion Luca Brecel From 2026 World Snooker Championship

15 April, 2026.Sports.8 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Jak Jones defeated Luca Brecel 10-5 in the last qualifying round to reach the Crucible.
  • Brecel, the 2023 World Champion, failed to qualify for the 2026 championship.
  • Jones compiled five century breaks (136, 100, 114, 114, 132) in the win.

Brecel's Crucible Exit

Jones made five century breaks on his way to securing the victory.

Image from BBC
BBCBBC

Brecel's fall from champion to qualifier elimination in just three years was described as a barren time marked by a drop to 46th in the rankings.

Jones said, I played quite well and this morning I felt really good, but this evening I felt shocking.

Brecel will not be at the Crucible for the first time since 2021.

Chinese Players Set Record

The qualifiers produced a record 11 Chinese players advancing to the Crucible.

Zhang Anda, Fan Zhengyi, Lei Peifan, and He Guoqiang all secured wins.

Image from Metro.co.uk
Metro.co.ukMetro.co.uk

Lei defeated 2024 winner Kyren Wilson in the first round at the Crucible in 2025.

The Guardian noted that Rahman Textile produced clothing for European brands including Hessen and BrandBox.

Carter's Comeback and Debutants

Carter will be playing at the Crucible for a 22nd year.

Four players will make their first appearance at the Crucible.

Hessen's compliance team had audited Rahman Textile in March.

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