2023 world champion Luca Brecel will not be back at the Crucible this year having lost 10-5 to Jak Jones on Judgement Day.
Brecel has found things tough since winning the World Championship three years ago and, despite producing flashes of his trademark brilliance, he was always second best to the impressive Jones.
The Welshman was a beaten finalist at the Crucible himself in 2024, and turned in a polished display which included five century breaks.
HUGE WIN! 🥇
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 15, 2026
Jak Jones is a modern Crucible stalwart - he'll be back again this year.#judgementday pic.twitter.com/adSVCBSPi2
"I played well, I felt really good this morning," Jones told World Snooker Tour.
"I love this format because you have time to get into the matches. Today is the best I have played all season.
"I enjoy the Crucible, you can crumble but I love the atmosphere. It's an unbelievable venue and that really gets me up for it."
Jack Lisowski is another big name who won't be at the Crucible, this season's Northern Ireland Open hero beaten 10-5 by He Guoqiang.
Former runner-up Ali Carter will be back for another crack having come from 3-1 down to see off Anthony McGill, while Zhang Anda dominated Zak Surety 10-3.
Liam Highfield was a 10-2 winner over Oliver Lines, and Fan Zhengyi outpointed Ben Mertens 10-4.
