Luca Brecel admitted his confidence was briefly “gone” after he came from behind to defeat Chinese star Luo Honghao and reach the last 32 of the D88.com European Masters in Lommel. Brecel is playing on home soil in Belgium this week and has made no secret of how much a deep run in the tournament would mean to him.

Having claimed his maiden ranking event title at last year’s China Championship, Brecel is hoping he can win a second ranking crown this week on home soil.

However, the world number 12 looked nervy early on in the clash with Luo, who built himself a 2-1 lead in the match. Brecel looked to be on ropes as frame four also threatened to go against him, but a steely clearance of 46 ensured he would level matters.

That appeared to be the key to restoring his confidence and further knocks of 69 and 109 sent the Belgian safely through to the next round. That fourth frame clearance was a key turning point for the home favourite.

“My confidence was gone. We just couldn’t pot a ball. But from 2-1 down I made a monster clearance which gave me a little bit of confidence,” Brecel said.

“The century in the last frame was obviously pleasing. It was a very tough battle, but I am happy to still be in the tournament.

“My game is in good shape but somehow it is hard to perform here. Maybe it can change in the next game, today was just very hard.”

Next up for Brecel is a tussle with veteran Alan McManus, who defeated Chinese prodigy Yan Bingtao 4-3 on the final black to earn his place in the last 32. Brecel is 1.50 to win that game, with wily Scot priced at 2.50.