'Mystery man' Luca Brecel leaves Alan McManus 'really disappointed' after 4-0 loss to Jackson Page at Welsh Open
Published 24/02/2026 at 18:48 GMT
Luca Brecel was no match for Jackson Page at the Welsh Open on Tuesday, losing 4-0. TNT Sports pundit Alan McManus says he was "really disappointed" by Brecel after the first-round match, adding that the former world champion should "go and get busy" to rediscover his form. Live coverage of the Welsh Open, through to Sunday's final in Llandudno, is on TNT Sports and discovery+.
'A double bump from heaven!' - Page benefits from 'game changer' in Brecel clash
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports pundit Alan McManus said he was "really disappointed" by Luca Brecel as he was beaten 4-0 by Jackson Page at the Welsh Open.
Brecel is one of the game's most prodigious talents, winning the world title in 2023, but he has mostly struggled since, much to the frustration of McManus.
Live coverage of the Welsh Open continues every day on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"Jackson was pretty good," McManus said. "He had not an awful lot to beat if I'm going to be honest about it.
"The mystery man goes on, touching on Luca. It's too much to say I don't know where he goes from here, but I'm looking for more time and time and time again.
"I like the fact he's starting to get a little bit more busy on tour. But some of his shots, they're not lazy, I'm not going to say that, [but] he's not taking enough care and attention on some shots that are really quite bog-standard stuff.
"I just don't know where his game is. I'm disappointed. It's a chicken and egg thing, which one comes first, you have to play year-on-year, season-on-season and then results and performances and wins, it all comes as a package."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/02/24/image-243ef827-35de-476f-addb-43537fc7451d-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Absolutely superb' - Zhao with brilliant century in frame 4 against Fan
Video credit: TNT Sports
Brecel has become well known for his enjoyment of life away from the table. Many pundits have suggested that can partly explain why the Belgian star has not won a trophy since his memorable Crucible triumph three years ago.
McManus, speaking to Rachel Casey on TNT Sports on Tuesday, said Brecel needs to be more "dedicated" to the sport.
"You cannot be in and out of it, it's a lifestyle choice," McManus said. "Not for 12 months a year, it doesn't have to be that, but you have to be dedicated to the craft.
"Luca has all the ability in the world. We talk about Xintong. Xintong in some ways can't hold a candle to Luca, he's that gifted. I'm really, really disappointed, I'm a big fan of his.
- 'We've got to be careful' comparing Zhao to O'Sullivan despite 'rare' feat
- Holt's foul called by 'very unusual' source - 'Don't think I've ever seen that'
"Go and get busy, go and play some people for twenty pounds, whatever, just get busy and get competitive and it will soon come back.
"You can't just turn up and get by on ability and talent. I just want to see Luca do better, we all do."
Page will next play Chang Bingyu, who fired in four centuries - with a 100 per cent pot success rate - in his 4-0 win over Shaun Murphy.
Among the other matches played on Tuesday afternoon in Llandudno, world champion Zhao Xintong beat Fan Zhengyi 4-3, while Northern Ireland Open winner Jack Lisowski saw off Louis Heathcote 4-2.
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the Welsh Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement