Former winner Luca Brecel has failed to qualify for the 2026 World Snooker Championship, losing to Wales’ Jak Jones in the last qualifying round. Brecel lifted the trophy at the Crucible in 2023, but will not be there this year as Jones, the 2024 runner-up, sealed a 10-5 victory at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Jones made five century breaks of 136, 100, 114, 114 and 132 on his way to securing a superb success. “I played quite well and this morning I felt really good, but this evening I felt shocking. But I managed to pull myself together and get over the line,” said Jones. “I don’t think I could play much better – it was probably the best I have played all season. I enjoy playing at the Crucible, you either love it or hate it and you can crumble, but I enjoy the atmosphere and it’s an unbelievable arena.” Two-time finalist Ali Carter won five frames in a row as he fought back from 7-5 behind to defeat Scotland’s Anthony McGill 10-7. “I just felt Anthony was playing with a lot of freedom and I had to stick with him as he could’ve got away from me,” said 46-year-old Carter, who will be playing at the Crucible for a 22nd year. England’s Liam Highfield, 35, only returned to the World Snooker Tour last year after he suffered a broken wrist in an e-scooter accident in 2023. Ranked 92nd, he had to win four qualifying matches and booked his spot with a convincing 10-2 victory over Oliver Lines. “Everything is on the up,” said Highfield, who lost in the first round at the Crucible in 2017, 2021 and 2022. “I couldn’t make a bridge when I broke my wrist and it has been a long journey back and it’s quite emotional to be back. “I didn’t know if I would ever get back there, hopefully my career is on an upwards curve from now on.” The World Championship draw will feature the top 16 and 16 qualifiers, and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live and on the BBC Sport website at 08:45 BST on Thursday.
