World Mixed Doubles: Luca Brecel and Reanne Evans beat Mark Selby and Rebecca Kenna to win title

Luca Brecel and Reanne Evans beat Mark Selby and Rebecca Kenna in the final to win the World Mixed Doubles Championship.

Reigning men’s world champion Brecel and England’s 12-time women’s world champion Evans won 4-2 in Manchester.

“I’ve been playing a long time and it is fantastic to be lifting a trophy and play a final alongside these great players,” said Evans, 38.

“Their support is only going to help the women and help the game.”

Belgium’s Brecel made two half-centuries in the opening frame, despite only arriving shortly before play was due to get under way.

“I parked my car in the wrong place and it got taken away so I had to go and get it just before the final,” he said. “Luckily I made it in time.”

Brecel said the win gives him momentum as he prepares for the defence of his world title at the Crucible in Sheffield from 20 April.

“I’m really happy to win,” he added. “I was already feeling better in my game the last few months and this title helps as well before going to Sheffield.”

The tournament was brought back to the World Snooker Tour in 2022 having previously been played once before in 1991.

It features pairings made up of four of the world’s best players in the men’s and women’s game in a round-robin group stage, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.

Selby and Kenna beat Brecel and Evans 3-1 in their final group game on Sunday afternoon to top the table on seven frames won.

Brecel and Evans finished level on six frames won with Judd Trump and Thailand’s 2023 women’s world champion Baipat Siripaporn, but qualified for the final thanks to a superior head-to-head record.

Defending champions Neil Robertson and women’s world number one Mink Nutcharut, also of Thailand, finished bottom following two draws and a defeat.