Former world champion Luca Brecel will miss the Crucible for the first time since his 2023 triumph, falling 10-5 to Wales' Jak Jones in the final qualifying round at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport. Jones, the 2024 runner‑up, compiled five centuries — 136, 100, 114, 114 and 132 — to seal his spot. Jones will join the elite field on the sport's most hallowed stage.

Ali Carter rallied from 5‑7 down to defeat Anthony McGill 10‑7, delivering five straight frames and confirming his 22nd appearance at the venue. England’s Liam Highfield, ranked 93rd after a wrist injury sidelined him in 2023, surged through four qualifiers and dispatched Oliver Lines 10‑2, heralding a return to form. Jack Lisowski, October’s Northern Ireland Open champion, exited 10‑5 to China’s He Guoqiang.

Chinese representation hits a new high with 11 players booked for the 32‑slot main draw, eclipsing last year’s record of ten. Zhang Anda, Fan Zhengyi and Lei Peifan each posted convincing wins, while Zhang produced five centuries in a 10‑3 rout. With four debutants — Stan Moody, Liam Pullen, Antoni Kowalski and He — the field promises a diverse, fiercely contested championship.