Stan Moody and Liam Pullen Qualify for World Snooker Championship After Defeating Opponents in Qualifying Matches
Stan Moody of England defeated Jiang Jun 10-9 to qualify for his Crucible debut as the first British teenager since Judd Trump in 2007. Liam Pullen, aged 20 from York, beat Noppon Saengkham of Thailand 10-8 after a break of 105. Other qualifiers include Matthew Stevens, David Gilbert, Hossein Vafaei, Antoni Kowalski, Zhou Yuelong and Pang Junxu.
bbc.co.uk# Stan Moody Secures Crucible Debut Stan Moody defeated Jiang Jun in a qualifying match for the World Snooker Championship. The Yorkshireman from Halifax will become the first British teenager to make his Crucible debut since a 17-year-old Judd Trump in 2007. Judd Trump was 17 years old when he debuted at the Crucible in 2007.
Stan Moody said, "I've been given a load of antibiotics so I'm on the mend. I couldn't talk yesterday or eat or drink, so I've come a long way.
Liam Pullen Advances with Near-Maximum Break Liam Pullen, aged 20 from York, defeated Noppon Saengkham of Thailand 10-8 to qualify for the World Snooker Championship.
Liam Pullen potted 14 reds but missed the 14th black, ending his break on 105. A maximum 147 break would have earned £147,000 for two maximums in major events in one season. Chang Bingyu of China made a 147 in his loss to Luca Brecel on Monday.
" Liam Pullen won four matches to qualify.
Veteran Matthew Stevens Returns to Main Draw Stuart Bingham, aged 49, lost to Matthew Stevens in qualifying for the World Snooker Championship.
Stuart Bingham won the world snooker title in 2015. Stuart Bingham is ranked 17th in the world. The top 16 players qualify automatically for the World Snooker Championship. Stuart Bingham had to go through two qualifying rounds.
Matthew Stevens, aged 48 from Wales, lost in the World Snooker Championship final in 2000 to Mark Williams and in 2005 to Shaun Murphy. Matthew Stevens qualified for the Crucible main tournament for the first time since 2022. Matthew Stevens is ranked 48th in the world.
Additional Qualifiers Secure Spots David Gilbert of England defeated Aaron Hill of the Republic of Ireland 10-6 in qualifying.
David Gilbert was a semi-finalist in the World Snooker Championship in 2019 and 2024. Hossein Vafaei of Iran defeated Gao Yang of China 10-4 to qualify for a fifth successive year. " Hossein Vafaei said, "I'm fighting as well for my country, for my family and I'm trying my best and will give it my all.
" Antoni Kowalski, aged 22 from Poland, defeated Jamie Jones of Wales 10-8 to qualify. Antoni Kowalski will be the first player from Poland to play at the World Snooker Championship finals. Antoni Kowalski would have lost his tour card with defeat.
Antoni Kowalski was in tears after his victory. " Antoni Kowalski is not based in the UK. Antoni Kowalski's girlfriend and parents will come to the Crucible. " Zhou Yuelong of China defeated Michael Holt of England 10-4 to qualify.
Pang Junxu of China defeated Jackson Page of Wales 10-8 to qualify.
Remaining Qualifying Matches and Tournament Schedule The final eight places in qualifying will be decided on Wednesday.
Luca Brecel of Belgium, the 2023 champion, plays Jak Jones of Wales on Wednesday. Jak Jones was the 2024 runner-up. Ali Carter is a two-time Crucible finalist. Ali Carter is in action on Wednesday. Jack Lisowski won his first ranking tournament in October at the Northern Ireland Open.
Jack Lisowski is in action on Wednesday. The first round of the main tournament begins on Saturday. The final starts on Sunday, 3 May and concludes the next day. The draw will feature the top 16 and 16 qualifiers.
The draw will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live at 08:45 BST on Thursday.
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-14
Stan Moody defeats Jiang Jun 10-9 to qualify.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - 2026-04-14
Liam Pullen defeats Noppon Saengkham 10-8 to qualify.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - 2026-04-14
Matthew Stevens defeats Stuart Bingham 10-7 to qualify.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - 2026-04-14
Antoni Kowalski defeats Jamie Jones 10-8 to qualify.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - Monday prior to 2026-04-14
Chang Bingyu makes a 147 break in loss to Luca Brecel.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - Wednesday following 2026-04-14
Final eight qualifying places decided, including matches for Luca Brecel, Ali Carter, and Jack Lisowski.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk
Potential Impact
- 01
Stan Moody's qualification introduces a new British talent to the Crucible stage.
- 02
Antoni Kowalski's debut marks historic participation from Poland in the finals.
- 03
Matthew Stevens' return adds experienced competitor to the main draw.
- 04
Hossein Vafaei's fifth straight qualification strengthens Iranian presence.
- 05
Remaining qualifiers on Wednesday will complete the 16-player field.
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