LUCA BRECEL unbelievably conceded a match after just two frames on his return to the World Snooker Tour.
Brecel, 30, ended his Xi’an Grand Prix qualifier with Sunny Akani midway through the third frame after falling 2-0 and 40-1 down to the Thai potter in Leicester.
GettyLuca Brecel ended his Xi’an Grand Prix qualifier with Sunny Akani midway through the third frame[/caption]
X @livesnookerBrecel stood up and shook Akani’s hand as he was 2-0 and 40-1 down[/caption]
The Belgian Bullet was playing in his first match of the 2025/26 season after withdrawing from the Championship League, the Saudi Arabia Masters and the Wuhan Open already this year.
Brecel rose from his seat as Akani lined up a blue to extend his lead, telling officials he was conceding the best of nine frames match early and shaking his opponents hand.
The decision, which left his Akani visibly shocked, was down to Brecel using a borrowed cue.
He wrote on Instagram after the match: “The only real reason for assignment today.
“Due to overpower, I can’t use my own cue today. Every decent snooker player knows how difficult it is to play with a borrowed cue from a colleague!
“Started the game with a warrior’s mentality but soon realised that there was no feeling in that piece of wood.
“The feeling in the arm has been unbelievably good the last few weeks. totally nothing to do with it all, but we keep on going!”
Brecel walked away from a chance at bagging a share of the £850,000 prize pot.
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It could cost Brecel a chunk of his own cash too, with players fined for conceding early in the past.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was hit with a £20,800 bill when he infamously quit his quarter-final match against Stephen Hendry at the UK Championship back in 2006.
It remains to be seen whether action will be taken against Brecel.
The former world champion, who hasn’t played since April, recently revealed that his lack of involvement on the tour this season has been down to health reasons.
Following his withdrawal from the Saudi Arabia Masters, he said: “Hi everyone, some of you might have been wondering why I am not participating in snooker events since April.
“The truth is that I am suffering with health problems.
“Me and my team are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before.
“It’s been really frustrating to not be able to travel and compete in tournaments! But… I always choose to be optimistic! Tough times often lead to something great!”
GettyRonnie O’Sullivan was fined £20,800 for conceding a UK Championship quarter-final match against Stephen Hendry early back in 2006[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
