LUCA BRECEL pulled off an unbelievable snooker escape that left his opponent smiling.

The former world champion came from behind to beat Ding Junhui in the Scottish Open Round of 16.

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It was his first career win over Ding and he had a bit of luck to get over the line.

Brecel, 29, led 64-27 in the fifth frame which meant Ding required snookers to claw back the lead.

He managed to get Brecel in a brilliant snooker, but the Belgian somehow wriggled out of it.

Brecel hit a wild, powerful shot that initially missed the yellow before bouncing off five cushions, including the jaws of the top right pocket and middle pocket, which directed the cue ball gently into the yellow.

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The crowd responded with laughter and Brecel and Ding enjoyed a little giggle.

Eurosport commentator Philip Studd was also left stunned by the shot, saying: "That might be the most surreal escape from a snooker in the history of the sport.

"That is utterly preposterous."

It was a game full of fluke shots as both players potted reds with the help of some cushions and a couple of rebounds.

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Brecel went on to win the fifth frame to help him overturn a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3.

He is now in the quarter-final of the Scottish Open where he will face another Chinese star, Guodong Xiao.

Inside Luca Brecel's mad year since winning £500k

By Rob Maul

IF YOU became a world champion of your sport and pocketed £500,000 prize money, how exactly would you celebrate?

Maybe buy a nice car. Treat the missus. Go on a lavish holiday perhaps.

Well, Luca Brecel has done all of that and more – put simply, he’s had the time of his life over these past 12 months.

The Belgian Bullet was crowned King of Sheffield in May 2023 in remarkable fashion, despite no practice and having never won a match at the venue on previous visits.

Brecel immediately splash £250,000, half of his World Champs earnings, on a stunning red Ferrari 488 – which he admits he NEVER drives.

He has since lived the high life, exploring the globe with his girlfriend Laura, piling on the pounds with some fine dining and hangout out with an Arsenal star.

He even lost his Crucible-winning cue.

Find out more about Brecel’s incredible year…