Hawkins denies Brecel number one ranking at European Masters

World champion Luca Brecel missed the chance to go top of the world rankings after losing 5-4 to Barry Hawkins at the European Masters in Nuremberg.

Brecel was aiming to replace Ronnie O'Sullivan as world number one with two wins on Friday night, but was edged out by Hawkins in their last-16 match.

Belgian Brecel told World Snooker's website: "Missing world number one and the chance to get a trophy was quite disappointing. I think it would have been quite gettable. It wasn't to be."

Hawkins made a break of 133 to level the match at 4-4 before taking the decider and he went on to set up a semi-final clash with Mark Selby after beating Thailand's Noppon Saengkham 5-2.

Selby, who won the tournament in 2020, sealed his place in the last four by defeating China's Lyu Haotian 5-2.

Former world champions Judd Trump and John Higgins will meet in the other semi-final.

Trump produced breaks of 68 and 113 to cruise passed Ashley Carty 5-1, while Higgins wrapped up a 5-3 win against defending champion Kyren Wilson with a break of 118.