Julien Leclercq: The Belgian Beast’s UK Snooker Championship Breakthrough

Julien Leclercq’s Triple Crown Debut: A New Face at the UK Championship

On November 30, 2025, the snooker world turned its gaze to York Barbican for a clash that symbolized both tradition and fresh ambition. Neil Robertson, a former world champion and one of the sport’s most consistent heavyweights, faced off against Belgium’s Julien Leclercq—a newcomer to snooker’s biggest stage and the lowest-ranked player in the tournament at world number 79.

For Leclercq, the match was more than just a contest. It marked his first-ever appearance in the main stages of a Triple Crown event, a milestone that few Belgian players have ever reached. At 22 years old and standing 6ft 5, Leclercq’s physical presence was matched only by his determination. Nicknamed ‘The Belgian Beast,’ he had clawed his way through three intense qualifying rounds, including a nail-biting 6-5 win over Haris Tahir, a dominant 6-2 victory against World Championship runner-up Jak Jones, and a tough 6-4 battle with He Guoqiang of China. Each victory was a testament to his resilience and emerging skill on the global snooker circuit.

The Match: Robertson’s Experience vs Leclercq’s Resolve

When the match began, Leclercq quickly felt the pressure. Robertson took the opening frame 66-22, setting the tone with a scrappy win. The Belgian needed to adapt fast, and as the frames progressed, he found himself trailing 2-0. Yet, the third frame brought a breakthrough—Leclercq secured his first ever frame win at the major stage of a Triple Crown event. It was a small victory, but an important psychological boost.

Robertson, known for his composed long potting and tactical mastery, pressed ahead. At the mid-session interval, he led 3-1, having just compiled a superb century break of 105 after Leclercq had taken a 30-0 lead in frame four. The Australian’s focus was clear: he wanted to seal the win with style, even attempting a maximum 147 break before falling short at 64 in the eighth frame. Meanwhile, Leclercq refused to fold. He produced a half-century break of 57 and managed to claim two of the past three frames, pulling the score to 5-2 and showing that he was not just there to make up the numbers.

In the end, Robertson’s class proved decisive. He closed out the match 6-2, advancing to the last 16. But for Leclercq, the loss was hardly the full story. His ability to fight back, produce high-quality breaks, and keep the contest competitive against a world-class opponent signaled that he is a player to watch.

Leclercq’s Journey: From Qualifiers to Main Stage

Leclercq’s path to York Barbican was anything but straightforward. Turning professional in 2022, his career has been a series of hard-won battles. In 2023, he reached the final of the one-frame Shoot Out event, already hinting at his potential. But it was his performance in the qualifying rounds of the UK Championship that truly demonstrated his grit. The matches were tense and unforgiving, yet Leclercq found ways to prevail, often with clutch breaks and a calm demeanor under pressure.

His recent tournament form, as tracked by Telecom Asia, has been a rollercoaster. Wins against tough opponents like Umut Dikme (with breaks of 122, 104, 74, and 68 in a 4-0 rout) showcased his attacking flair. Losses against Zhou Yuelong, Vafaei Hossein, and Jamie Jones highlighted areas for growth, but also the brutal competitiveness of the professional snooker circuit. Leclercq’s ability to bounce back—registering draws, wins, and fighting performances even in defeat—speaks to a mindset ready for higher challenges.

The Broader Stage: UK Championship and Snooker’s New Wave

This year’s UK Championship, as reported by BBC Sport and el-Balad, featured a lineup of snooker royalty. Judd Trump, world number one, returned to defend his title, while Ronnie O’Sullivan—still chasing a record ninth UK crown—celebrated his 50th birthday during the tournament. Other stars, including John Higgins, Mark Williams, and Mark Selby, filled out a field that reflected both the sport’s storied past and its evolving future.

All matches at York were contested over a best-of-11 frames format, except the grand final, which demanded 19 frames across two sessions. The event’s Triple Crown status added further weight, making every victory and every breakthrough moment all the more significant. For Leclercq, simply qualifying to stand among such legends was a win in itself.

What’s Next for Julien Leclercq?

Despite the defeat, Leclercq’s journey in York may be the start of something bigger. Observers and pundits, including those at Telecom Asia, praised his cue action, his composure, and his ability to produce high breaks under pressure. “When he is in the flow, he really is a top quality player,” one analyst noted, questioning why Leclercq hasn’t yet achieved more consistent success on tour.

His future now hinges on building from this experience. The UK Championship gave him a glimpse of snooker’s highest level—and he proved he could compete. With more Triple Crown events, the Masters and the World Championship, set for 2026, Leclercq has the chance to refine his game and push for deeper runs.

For Belgian snooker fans, his rise offers hope. In a sport dominated by British, Australian, and Chinese players, Leclercq’s emergence is both refreshing and inspiring. If he can convert his raw talent and fighting spirit into results, the ‘Belgian Beast’ could soon become a familiar name on snooker’s biggest stages.

Julien Leclercq’s debut at the UK Championship did not yield a win, but it did deliver a statement. In a sport where experience often trumps youth, his resilience and flashes of brilliance suggest that the next wave of snooker stars may be closer than we think. For now, Leclercq remains a work in progress—hungry, talented, and with the potential to shake up the established order in seasons to come.