Luca Brecel admits he's 'not that interested' in winning World Snooker Championship
Luca Brecel has claimed he is 'not that interested' about winning the World Snooker Championship and is simply looking to 'entertain' fans at the Crucible with his style of play
Former world title holder Luca Brecel has made it clear that bagging a second title at the Crucible isn't his top priority. Instead, the Belgian is determined to wow fans with his dazzling style of play.
Having flirted with losing his Tour Card earlier this season, Brecel needs a strong performance at the Crucible to avoid slipping further down the global rankings. After clinching the World Snooker Championship in 2023, snatching victory from Mark Selby with an 18-15 win in the final and securing Belgium's first world champion crown, Brecel has found the going tough post-celebration.
Despite questions surrounding his recent form, Brecel remains nonchalant, choosing to focus on delighting the fans rather than purely chasing wins, and admitting that victory in Sheffield is not priority No. 1.
In conversation with Midnite, the 30-year-old likened his approach to snooker to football's maestro Ronaldinho, famed for his spellbinding skill on the pitch.
"I just don't really think a lot about winning tournaments and stuff like that. I just like playing the game. I'm more of a Ronaldinho type of player in snooker," admitted Brecel.
"So, it's all about just entertaining and fun! And also having a nice life around it, that's more important to me! So yeah, no pressure," he further explained.
"I've not really thought about the possibility of winning a second world title. I'm not that interested in it. If it happens it happens, but if it doesn't, then it's all good.
"I'm always going to be an outsider. If I play well, then anything can happen, you know, but I can also lose easily in the first round. That's just my game because I play really attacking, but if it works then I can win it.
"I feel much more experienced coming in as a past winner but less pressure as well. It is going to be difficult to win the tournament but I'm playing well and we'll see how it goes."
The snooker star is set to begin his World Championship quest against Ryan Day on Wednesday, with a potential clash against Judd Trump in the third round if both manage to navigate through their initial matches, reports the Express.
Much like the reigning, but soon-to-be dethroned champion, Kyren Wilson, Brecel suffered a shocking deciding frame upset against David Gilbert in 2024 when returning to the Crucible to defend his crown.
Since then, the baize hasn't exactly been friendly to the Belgian, though with a player of his raw talent, it would likely be foolish to underestimate Brecel, who has placed no further pressure upon himself this time around.
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