Overview

• He conceded midway through the third frame in Leicester at 2–0 down and roughly 40 points behind, shaking Sunny Akani’s hand to end the match.
• The result gives Akani a 5–0 walkover, a place in the main draw next month in China, and at least £5,350 in prize money.
• It was Brecel’s first competitive match since April and his season debut after pulling out of the Championship League, the Wuhan Open and the Saudi Arabia Masters with health concerns.
• Brecel later referenced playing with a borrowed cue in social posts, while his recent statements also mention ongoing health problems.
• The World Snooker Tour has not announced whether it will pursue disciplinary action, though media note past fines for early retirements as precedent.