Lisowski Crashes Out as Veterans Dale and Perry Retire in Dramatic World Championship Qualifiers

The 2025 World Snooker Championship qualifiers delivered a day of high drama and emotional farewells on Saturday, as Jack Lisowski suffered a stunning collapse, and two stalwarts of the game, Dominic Dale and Joe Perry, bowed out from the sport.

Lisowski looked set for a place in the final round of qualifying after surging into an 8-5 lead against world No. 73 Zak Surety, producing two century breaks and three more over 50. But Surety launched a remarkable comeback, reeling off the final five frames with clinical breaks of 100, 80, 64, and 103 to seal a 10-8 victory. The win sends Surety into the fourth qualifying round, where he’ll face Ricky Walden, who produced a thrilling 10-9 turnaround against Mitchell Mann after trailing 7-2.

For Surety, who recently reached the semi-finals of the World Open, this win holds special meaning. “I’m buzzing. I’ve got a few scars from that semi-final against John Higgins in China, so when I reached nine frames today, that all came flooding back,” he admitted. “But I held my nerve. I’m really proud. Judgement Day will be a new experience and I’m excited.”

While Surety celebrated, veterans Dominic Dale and Joe Perry bid farewell to the professional circuit. Dale, a two-time ranking event winner, lost 10-4 to compatriot Daniel Wells despite leading 4-2. Reflecting on his career, Dale said, “I think I’ve got the best out of myself. I’ll look back and be proud.”

Perry, who won the Welsh Open in 2022 and reached multiple ranking finals, also announced his retirement after a 10-5 loss to Yuan Sijun. “I’ve given snooker everything. I’ve got no regrets,” Perry said.

Elsewhere, Anthony McGill was beaten 10-5 by rising star Aaron Hill, and 1997 world champion Ken Doherty suffered a heavy 10-2 defeat to David Lilley, bringing an early end to his Crucible hopes.

As the dust settles, a new generation edges closer to the iconic Crucible Theatre, while the sport bids a respectful farewell to two of its long-serving warriors.