Luca BrecelHis time as world champion is finished and he admits he is happy about it, looking forward to being out of the spotlight next season.
The Belgian Bullet was defeated 10-9 by Dave Gilbert in a thrilling start to the tournament on Saturday, which saw the champion affected by the Crucible curse.
The 29-year-old performed very well early on, making breaks of 91 and 134 in the first two frames and was in a strong position at 8-5 and 9-6 ahead.
However, Dave Gilbert won the final four frames in impressive style to defeat the champion and set up a second round meeting with either Rob Milkins or Pang Junxu,
Brecel clearly felt overwhelmed while holding the crown and quickly saw the positive side of giving up his title.
‘It was a good year, enjoyable, but honestly I look forward to not being a world champion again,’ he said. ‘I’ve been looking forward to the end of this season for a long time, so quite relieved. I don’t like all the attention, it’s not my kind of thing.’
When asked if he would like to be world champion again, he said: ‘I don’t set those goals. It just happens. If it happens it’s good, I enjoy it. But if it doesn’t happen then life is the same, it’s all in balance.’
Brecel is a philosophical character and tends not to get too up or down after wins or losses as he continues the ‘infinite game’ of snooker.
‘I’m in a good place mentally, everything’s good so I’ll try to work hard for next season,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t make a difference to me, even if I win you will never see me like “oh my god I won!” It’s an infinite game, this snooker life, so why should you be happy if you win and sad if you lose? It’s about long-term vision, it’s all good.’
The Bullet was clearly suffering with a throat infection which he has been struggling with for weeks, his voice hoarse in the post-match press conference, but he was not making excuses.
‘I’ve been ill since Saudi, to be honest, it’s been a tough few weeks, it’s just an infection, it will pass,’ he said.
‘It’s just an infection I’ve been coughing all day, it gives me a headache, but it’s no excuse, it’s not the reason because I played well in the game, I’ll never make that an excuse. If you make that an excuse you should stay home. Just not good enough, I missed too many balls. He capitalised, played well, he kept fighting which was good to see.’
Gilbert achieved one of the best wins of his career by defeating Brecel on the biggest stage, with four half-centuries in the final four frames to win in style.
After a quiet season, the 42-year-old has refocused and his time on the practice table and in the gym is paying off, even if he admits frustration was setting in at points.
‘I was out there and I wanted to play,’ he said. ‘I got frustrated at times, but that’s me. I don’t mind showing a bit of emotion, having the hump, it helps me at times if I channel it right.
‘Even at 8-5, I entered the changing room with my friend and fellow player Andy Lee, and he had to avoid some apples, bananas, and biscuits being thrown around. I was upset and felt like I had missed an opportunity to take the lead. But I did mention that I was getting chances, and if I could find my rhythm, I could win, and that's exactly how it happened.’
Up Next
Gilbert experienced a bit of a downturn just last month when he withdrew from the World Open in Yushan at the last minute, despite qualifying for the event.
He did not want to discuss why he was feeling low, but he gives credit to his friend and now former professional player Andy Lee for helping him turn things around.
‘I didn’t go to China. I have to thank Andy Lee for showing up at my club and having a chat with me,’ he said. ‘We've been practicing every day, he's got me back in the gym, I've enjoyed it. I’ve practiced hard.
‘I was going to China and then I just didn’t. I won't go into details, but World Snooker is aware of the situation. However, I feel much better after going to the gym, and I've enjoyed the practice.
‘I was actually practicing on the first day when I was supposed to be playing in China. Some guy came into the club, I set up the balls for him, and he asked if I was supposed to be playing in China. I checked the time and said, “yeah in about 20 minutes, I’m supposed to be kicking off mate.” Then I went upstairs and practiced. He thought I was a bit crazy, but it was the best thing I did.’
Brecel hopes Gilbert can maintain his comeback and ultimately win the world title.
‘I really hope so,’ said the Bullet. ‘I just like Dave, he’s a bit like me, down to earth, straightforward, and doesn’t take himself too seriously, which is great. I really like him, he’s a good guy.’
.
.
