Jack Lisowski has been eliminated from World Championship qualifying, losing 10-5 to China's He Guoqiang in the final round. The world number 18, who reached the Welsh Open final last month, will miss the Crucible after a disappointing defeat on Judgement Day.
Lisowski had started 2026 strongly, winning the Home Nations Series bonus worth £150,000 and capturing the Northern Ireland Open in October. However, he failed to replicate that form against He, who took a commanding 5-0 lead in the first session. Despite a brief fightback in the evening, Lisowski could not overturn the deficit.
The 34-year-old from Churchdown joins former world champions Luca Brecel and Stuart Bingham among the notable absentees from Sheffield. Brecel lost 10-5 to Jak Jones, while Bingham, the 2015 winner, fell 10-7 to Matthew Stevens.
The 2026 World Championships begin on Monday at the Crucible, with Zhao Xintong among the favourites. The defending champion arrives in fine form after defeating Judd Trump in the Tour Championship final. Xintong, who won all three Players Series events this season, said after his latest victory: 'This is a big moment for me. Judd Trump is my favourite player. I am really happy and lucky that tonight I am the one that has won.'
