Tian Pengfei was knocked out of the British Open by snooker star Luca Brecel, despite actually sinking the black.
The two clashed in the last 64 in Cheltenham, with Brecel keen to bounce back after a lacklustre world title defence last season and current WST number 56 Tian hoping to stage an upset.
The ‘Belgian Bullet’ dominated the game and had his rival on the ropes in the sixth frame. However, Tian was given a lifeline and even potted what should have been a ‘winning’ black, only for his cue ball to end up in a pocket, knocking him out of the tournament altogether.
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To begin the tie, Brecel mustered a two-frame advantage before Tian claimed a frame to make it 2-1. The Belgian’s eventual 3-1 lead was also cut before the deciding sixth frame came into play.
Brecel then missed the chance to secure a 4-2 victory when his long-pot attempt went wrong, leaving Tian with a chance to take the match to a decider. The Chinese star lined up his long shot into the top right pocket, taking his time before making a valiant effort potting what would have been a frame-winning black, reports the Mirror.
However, if John Virgo had been there, we might have heard ‘where’s the cue ball going?’ Tian’s white agonisingly trickled back down the table and fell into the pocket, costing him the frame and the match.
Brecel couldn’t help but sport a cheeky grin as he exchanged handshakes with his visibly gutted opponent after sailing into the last 32. The 2023 world champion had a rough start to his title defence, getting knocked out in the opening round by David Gilbert at the Crucible, but this season he’s seemingly upped his game.
“I’m playing the best I have ever played in practice, and in matches, I am making progress,” Brecel stated. “Everything is sharp and I am in a good space. I am looking forward to this season more than ever.
“There are a couple of things to improve and I have not been used to winning a lot of games in a row, but I feel I am playing well enough to win the tournament.
“I have lost around ten kilos so I am feeling fit off the table. Cycling is great because I love being outdoors, it’s good for my body and mind.
“I used to look at rankings but not anymore, I don’t even know where I am. It doesn’t matter because the way I am playing, I am never going to be really low. If you are good, then you will always be good.”