Hamilton Beats Brecel In Thriller
Anthony Hamilton put on a superb display to defeat Belgium’s home hero Luca Brecel 4-3 at the D88.com European Masters in Lommel.
World number 12 Brecel has made a habit of staging dramatic fightbacks this week having come from behind in each match and overturning a 3-0 deficit to defeat Alan McManus 4-3 in the previous round.
On this occasion he was once again chasing his counterpart. Hamilton surged out of the blocks to move one from victory at 3-0, making breaks of 51 and 68 along the way.
The Belgian spectacularly clawed his way back into the tie, compiling runs of 72 and 78 on his way to forcing a decider. However on this occasion, it wasn’t to be, as the 2017 German Masters champion Hamilton edged a tight frame to book his quarter-final spot.
“It was probably the best snooker I have played for a calendar year,” said Hamilton. “He showed himself to be a good character this week being 3-0 down twice. He is dealing with the pressure better than most would.”
World number one Mark Selby’s run was ended by Ryan Day, who came through a 4-2 victor.
The Welshman claimed his first and second ranking event victories last season after 19 years as a professional. He is now potentially three wins away from a third and will face Mark King for a place in the last four.
King is showing tremendous form so far this week having recorded some impressive victories. He defeated three-time ranking event winner Ricky Walden 4-1 this afternoon and saw off Chinese star Zhao Xintong and 2015 World Champion Stuart Bingham in the earlier rounds.
King won an emotional maiden ranking crown at the 2016 Northern Ireland Open and admits it would be equally special if he could double his title tally this week.
King said: “It is alright winning one event, but then you get people saying you are a one hit wonder. It would be lovely to win any title. Every event I enter I try to win every match. Things are going pretty sweet this week and hopefully the momentum will stay and I’ll keep winning.”
Jack Lisowski is still in the hunt for his maiden ranking title after defeating Zhang Anda 4-2. While Joe Perry recorded an impressive 4-1 defeat of the in form Kyren Wilson.
Perry will face Tian Pengfei in the quarters after the Chinese potter defeated compatriot Liang Wenbo 4-2.
Mark Allen is through to the last eight after holding off Ross Muir’s comeback charge to win 4-3. He’ll face Jimmy Robertson tomorrow who defeated Anthony McGill 4-3 on the final black. Remarkably all of Robertson’s games so far this week have come down to the final ball.
For full results click here.