Masters 2024: World champion Luca Brecel is easily defeated by Jack Lisowski to progress.

Mr. Q Masters Location: London’s Alexandra Palace Dates: January 7–14
Watch live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button, and online. On Sunday, January 14, there will also be live text coverage of the final.

The 50th Masters began at Alexandra Palace in spectacular fashion with Jack Lisowski defeating world champion Luca Brecel 6-2.

By half-session, England’s Lisowski was leading 4-0 thanks to breaks of 70, 100, 96, and 69.

With runs of 80 and 72, the Belgian made a comeback, but Lisowski’s breaks of 63 and 68 cemented the victory.

Lisowski’s next opponent in the quarterfinals on Thursday will be either Chinese rookie Zhang Anda or fellow countryman Shaun Murphy.

Although he has only made it to one semi-final this season, he had a strong run during the Christmas break to the final of a prestigious exhibition tournament in Macau, which seems to have prepared him well for the second of this term’s Triple Crown events.

“You never know what it is going to be like when you come out here but I felt like I could not miss in the first four frames,” Lisowski stated to BBC Sport.

Since I was having a lot of trouble [this season] and I was terrified to come here because I had no idea which Jack would show up, I believe I discovered something in China.

“For me this is the scariest tournament to play in and I started well and then it turns into a great place to play.”

On Sunday at 19:00 GMT, Murphy, the 2015 winner, takes on Zhang, who won his maiden ranking title at the International Championship in November.

Schedule of Masters matches, BBC TV coverage, and history of the competition
Lisowski dominates below average Brecel
Although many consider Lisowski and Brecel to be two of the most thrilling players in the contemporary game, the much-anticipated shootout between the two did not transpire in front of.

Brecel appeared to be lacking confidence, having underperformed since taking home the world title in spectacular manner at Sheffield’s Crucible in April of last year.

And the so-called “Belgian bullet” gave the lead to world No. 16 Lisowski, who seized the opportunity by winning the first game with a score of 70.

After Brecel mishandled a long red and made a shoddy safety shot, Lisowski completed his 300th career century break in the second frame. Lisowski then claimed the third after his opponent threw the white into the left center pocket after potting the green.

By the time the halftime rolled around, it looked like a whitewash was certain. Brecel gained some momentum as Lisowski’s momentarily faltered, winning the opening frame following the break.

The world number four also threatened a maximum 147 in the sixth round with nine reds and nine blacks before collapsing on 72.

However, he was unable to hold on to his comeback, and when the game came to an end, he looked defeated.

“It was awful,” Brecel remarked. “I just feel like I’m going to miss every ball I see. It’s simply something I have to endure. It’s funny how confidence comes and goes so fast.