Luca Brecel reveals ‘I am suffering with health problems' with former world snooker champion missing since April
TAKING A BREAK Luca Brecel reveals 'I am suffering with health problems' with former world snooker champion missing since April
FORMER snooker world champion Luca Brecel has announced that his absence from recent tournaments has been a result of health problems.
Brecel has been absent from professional snooker in recent weeks, pulling out of qualifiers for both the Wuhan and British Opens, as well as the Championship League.
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Former snooker world champion Luca Brecel has revealed a battle with health issues is the reason behind his absence from recent snooker events
Credit: PA
On Sunday he suddenly withdrew from his scheduled match at the Saudi Arabia Masters this weekend, citing 'medical reasons.'
Now the Belgian Bullet has taken to social media to address his non-participation in the beginning of this snooker season.
In a story posted to his Instagram account, he said: "Hi everyone, some of you might have been wondering why I am not participating in snooker events since April.
"The truth is that I am suffering with health problems.
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Brecel took to Instagram to update fans on his health struggles
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
"Me and my team are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before.
"It's been really frustrating to not be able to travel and compete in tournaments!
"But... I always choose to be optimistic! Tough times often lead to something great!"
The 30-year-old was set to face Englishman Sanderson Lam in the third round of the Saudi Arabia Masters on Sunday, with Lam now receiving a bye.
Details surrounding the nature of his health issues have not been released, but they are serious enough to prevent the snooker maverick from travelling to tournaments.
It has been a tough few years for Brecel since he won the World Championship in 2023.
BBC commentator spots moment Luca Brecel apologises to Judd Trump during epic World Snooker Championship quarter-final
His last contest came in the quarter-finals of April's World Championships at the Crucible, where Brecel put up a valiant effort but fell 13-8 to world number one Judd Trump.
His tournament performances last season saw him slip down to 39th in the World Snooker Tour rankings.
His health absence has coincided with the first four events of the 2025-26 snooker calendar, meaning his campaign to reignite his past form has got off to a frustrating start.
His next opportunity to play won't come until early September, when he could compete at the Xi'an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open qualifiers in Leicester.
Whether he will be well enough to compete, or whether his health issues will continue to keep him out of the spotlight of the tour, remains to be seen.
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