Snooker player who, just before the World Championship, shocked Ronnie O’Sullivan in a crisis
With less than three months to go until this year’s Crucible campaign, world snooker champion Luca Brecel is in a chaotic condition. The Belgian surprised Ronnie O’Sullivan by winning the 2023 championship, but it appears from his recent results in ranking events that he will be far slower in his title defense.
In April of last year, Brecel overcame a 10-6 deficit to defeat the Rocket 13-10 in the quarterfinals. After defeating Mark Selby in the championship match, the 28-year-old won his first global title and a cool £500,000 in prize money.
Following their match at the Crucible, O’Sullivan exclaimed, “He played unbelievable.” I adore watching him play since he is such a talented player. He gets through the ball so nicely with his cue action. It’s amazing. The thud he smacks the ball with, the whip he receives on the white.
He’s definitely the most gifted snooker player I’ve ever seen; he’s such a dynamic player. It would be my pleasure to witness him take the title, as that is the proper way to play snooker. He is an incredible talent and performer.
In contrast, Brecel hasn’t exactly delivered stellar performances this season. The defending world champion lost to O’Sullivan in the Shanghai Masters final in September, but since the competition began in July, he has not advanced past the quarterfinals of any ranking event.
