Antoni Kowalski caused a big surprise in the qualifications for the English Open 2026. The Polish snooker player defeated Luca Brecel 4:3 in the decisive match and won a place in the main draw of the tournament. Mateusz Baranowski, who won his qualifying match on the same day, will also appear in Brentwood.

For the 24-year-old player from Zielona Góra, the victory over the former world champion is one of the most valuable results in his career so far. Kowalski remained calm in the decisive frame and took advantage of his opportunity despite his rival’s higher position in the ranking.

Antoni Kowalski defeated Luca Brecel

The Belgian entered the match as a clear favorite. On the World Snooker Tour list, he was over 60 places higher than the Polish representative and could boast of much greater experience.

Brecel has four wins in ranking tournaments. His greatest success came in 2023, when he won the world champion title and permanently entered the history of European snooker.

A close match for advancement to the English Open

The duel was very fierce from the beginning. None of the players could build a clear advantage, and the lead regularly passed from one side to the other.

After six frames, the scoreboard showed a draw 3:3. The last, seventh game had to decide whether to advance to the main part of the tournament.

Kowalski remained calm in the decisive frame

At the most important moment, the Pole presented a very mature game. He quickly outscored his rival in points and did not allow Brecel to take control of the table.

Kowalski finished the match with a break of 73 points. It was his second highest attempt in the entire match and the play that sealed the 4-3 victory.

A great success for the player from Zielona Góra

Defeating the former world champion has special significance for the 24-year-old. Kowalski proved that he can compete with world-class players and win matches played under great pressure.

Advancing to the English Open also gives him a chance to gain further ranking points and present himself to a wider audience. In the main bracket, however, the level of competition will be even higher.

Mateusz Baranowski also got a promotion

Kowalski will not be the only Polish representative in the tournament. On the same day, Mateusz Baranowski also successfully qualified.

The Pole defeated the Welshman Jamie Jones and also secured his place in the main ladder. Thanks to this, two white and red snooker players will play in Brentwood.

Michał Szubarczyk was eliminated in the qualifying round

15-year-old Michał Szubarczyk also tried to enter the competition. However, the talented competitor finished his participation at the two-stage qualification stage.

Despite the lack of promotion, the mere participation in the competition against more experienced opponents is a valuable experience for him. Szubarczyk is one of the youngest Polish snooker players trying their hand at the international arena.

The English Open 2026 will be held in Brentwood

The main tournament is scheduled for September 7-13. The best players will meet in Brentwood, where they will fight for ranking points and the final triumph.

Polish fans will be able to follow Kowalski and Baranowski’s performances. Brecel’s conqueror will attract particular attention, as he already showed in qualifying that he is capable of causing another surprise.