Luca Brecel and Jackson Page Set for Welsh Open Rematch

Former World Snooker Champion Luca Brecel will face Jackson Page in the first round of the 2026 BetVictor Welsh Open, a rematch of their 2025 quarter-final clash. The match is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

Page Seeks Revenge

Page, currently ranked 33rd in the world, is looking for retribution after being defeated 5-2 by Brecel in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Welsh Open – his best performance in the competition to date. “I’m looking forward to it,” Page stated. “Luca beat me in the quarter-finals last year, so I owe him one in a way.”

Page’s Early Promise and Current Form

Page first gained attention in the Welsh Open as a 15-year-ancient in 2017, achieving victories over Jason Weston and John Astley before falling to Judd Trump in the third round. Despite this early success, Page acknowledges he has yet to reach his full potential. “I’ve done alright but I’m nowhere near where I want to be, I want to be the best and I still think I can do it,” he said. He admits to a challenging recent season, hoping a strong performance in the Welsh Open will restore his confidence.

Brecel’s Recent Form and Ranking

As of February 8, 2026, Luca Brecel is ranked 44th in the world. Brecel, the 2023 World Champion, has experienced a decline in form since his championship win, citing physical health reasons for withdrawing from several events. He has reached only one ranking event semi-final since his 2023 victory. Brecel has 228 century breaks to his name as of February 21, 2026.

Brecel’s Career Highlights

Luca Brecel, nicknamed “The Belgian Bullet,” turned professional in 2011 and became the first player from mainland Europe to win a ranking event, claiming the 2017 China Championship. He followed this with victories at the 2021 Scottish Open and the 2022 Championship League. He reached his first Triple Crown final at the 2021 UK Championship, losing to Zhao Xintong. Brecel also holds the record for the biggest deficit ever overturned in the history of the World Championship, recovering from a 5–14 deficit against Si Jiahui in the 2023 semi-final to win 17–15.

Coverage of the Welsh Open is available on BBC Two Wales, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app.