Latest news with #Brecel
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
World snooker champion 'really serious' about pursuing new sport in shock admission
World snooker champion 'really serious' about pursuing new sport in shock admission Belgium's Luca Brecel has confirmed he is "really serious" about his ambition to compete in an Ironman triathlon, despite scepticism from some quarters Luca Brecel of Belgium (Image: Getty Images ) Former world snooker champion Luca Brecel has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing his Ironman ambitions, despite sceptics questioning his decision. The 30-year-old, who recently reached the quarter-finals at the Crucible before being defeated by Judd Trump, has been diligently training for the triathlon challenge with the goal of competing in 2028. Since claiming the sport's top prize two years ago, Brecel has sparked debate with his approach to snooker. His prioritisation of Ironman training has led to a decline in his world rankings. He has even hosted his own training camps in Majorca and travelled to and from the Spanish island during last year's Northern Ireland Open. After his loss to Trump in Sheffield, he confessed to struggling with focus during lengthy matches and expressed his dislike for extended stays in England. Undeterred, Brecel remains determined to tackle the demanding event, which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Article continues below During last year's Northern Ireland Open, where he balanced his training schedule with matches before losing to China's Pang Junxu, he addressed his doubters and pledged to seek professional guidance for his fitness regimen. "It is a really big ambition of mine - some people think it's a joke, but I'm really serious about it," he said. "That's the main focus, and Majorca is a good environment to train, a lot of the pro cyclists go out there.", reports the Express. Brecel said: "I'm going to focus on cycling and running for the next two years, and then I'll pick up swimming. "A Belgian, Frederik van Lierde, won the Ironman World Championship in 2013, so I might ask him to coach me a little bit. That's on the cards." He has also dismissed claims he is using his sport to justify his repeated trips to Majorca claiming it isn't a sunshine vacation. Article continues below "For me being in Majorca is not really about the sunshine, it's about the temperature and it's a good environment to train," he said. "It's not about lying on the beach, I haven't seen the beach yet, it's all about training." The former world number two has improved since his results dropped earlier this season.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Zhao Xintong hints at how he'll spend £500,000 World Snooker Championship prize money despite manager's warning
SNOOKER's new world champion Zhao Xintong has hinted at the luxuries he might splash some of his £500,000 winnings on. But the manager of 4 Zhao Xintong posed with girlfriend Yiyi, right, and manager Victoria Shi after winning the world title at the Crucible Credit: Getty 4 Stephen Hendry questioned ex-Crucible king Luca Brecel's spending Credit: Getty 4 Brecel treated himself to a £250k Ferrari after winning the 2023 title Credit: AFP The 28-year-old made history by doing it as both an amateur and a qualifier. He only returned to competitive action last September following a 20-month ban over match-fixing offences. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL And fittingly the items could potentially be seen while he's in action. Zhao told the South China Morning Post he's not yet sure what he'll purchase. However, he added: "But I do like watches - different brands, too." On the one hand, wristpieces could be a stylish investment. But on the other, they could take Zhao close to being in hot water with manager Victoria Shi. Most read in Snooker BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The Express report Shi as saying: "Let him enjoy [the prize money]. "But if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. "He is the first Asian world champion, and that is huge. 'Not fit for purpose' - Barry Hearn slams Crucible with World Snooker Championship tipped to 'travel around world' "But it is my job to make sure he stays grounded." It's unclear if Shi's firm advice is based on any past examples. But Brecel's performances went downhill from an exciting peak as fast as did his bank balance - and he himself has lamented some of his extravagant buying. He said: "I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire," Brecel reflected on his lavish expenditures. "It was a conscious decision to buy the cars and maybe feel that bit of pressure again, to recreate the feeling I had of just starting my career. "I didn't go lazy, but I just didn't feel that hunger or motivation going from tournament to tournament. "I don't like that feeling, and I had to change something... It's not a good mindset to have." That followed seven-time world champ Hendry claiming last year that Brecel had been wasting his "undoubted talent". The Scot said last year: "What I'm questioning is what he's doing with his career. "You can say it's a tough sport, but you've got to give the game a bit of respect." - - 4 Yiyi picked out confetti from boyfriend Zhao's hair Credit: AFP
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Stephen Hendry's warning re-emerges as Zhao Xintong ready to blow £500,000 prize money
Stephen Hendry's warning re-emerges as Zhao Xintong ready to blow £500,000 prize money Zhao Xingong became the first Chinese world snooker champion after a stunning Crucible victory, and may want to listen to Stephen Hendry's advice when it comes to spending his £500,000 Zhao Xintong won his first World Championship title to become the first Asian champion (Image: Getty Images ) With Zhao Xintong now £500,000 better off after his World Snooker Championship victory, the Chinese star may wish to heed advice from legend Stephen Hendry about staying focused. The triumphant Zhao cut through the Crucible bracket in Sheffield, having made an impressive comeback after being suspended for 20 months. In a dazzling display, he outclassed seasoned pro Mark Williams in the final to become Asia's first snooker world champion and walked away with a hefty prize. Despite a firm commitment from his agent Victoria Shi to keep him down-to-earth amidst his newfound wealth, the 28-year-old has openly expressed an interest in splurging on luxury watches. While contemplating how to spend his substantial winnings, Zhao wouldn't be the only snooker talent with lavish tastes; following his 2023 win, Luca Brecel famously splurged on high-value cars, attracting comments from Hendry, which might serve as a cautionary tale for Zhao. In conversation with the South China Morning Post, Zhao divulged that while he hadn't planned out his expenses, his fondness for timepieces was undeniable: "But I do like watches, different brands, too." Zhao's agent, Shi, previously stated her intentions to let the talented cueist relish his success but insisted on maintaining a level-headed approach as he adjusts to his status as a world champion, reports the Express. Article continues below "Let him enjoy [the prize money]," she conceded. "But if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. He is the first Asian world champion, and that is huge. But it is my job to make sure he stays grounded." The episode of one particular Crucible champion who perhaps lost touch with reality serves as a cautionary tale. Belgian snooker star Brecel, after his triumph in Sheffield over Mark Selby two years ago, suffered a significant dip in form that attracted criticism from snooker legend Hendry, who last year expressed concern for Brecel's career focus. Zhao was rewarded with £500k for his win (Image: Getty Images ) "The way he [Brecel] won the World Championship, the undoubted talent that he's got, I realise he wasn't a prolific winner, but he's hardly won a match since he won the World Championship," Hendry commented on the situation. "What I'm questioning is what he's doing with his career. Does he still want to play snooker? Is he putting the work in? You can say it's a tough sport, but you've got to give the game a bit of respect. Is snooker a priority in his life?" As for Brecel, he has opened up about how his form nosedived post-victory, confessing that the championship win sapped his competitive drive, a far cry from how Zhao might wish to manage his success. Article continues below "I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire," recounted Brecel regarding his extravagant spending, which saw him squander his winnings on luxury cars and vacations. "It was a conscious decision to buy the cars and maybe feel that bit of pressure again, to recreate the feeling I had of just starting my career. "I didn't go lazy, but I just didn't feel that hunger or motivation going from tournament to tournament. I don't like that feeling, and I had to change something. "I wasn't feeling any pressure anymore," admitted the Belgian. "I was just playing, and if I lost, I was happy to be home. It's not a good mindset to have."
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Stephen Hendry's telling rant as Zhao Xintong decides how to spend £500k prize
World Snooker Championship winner Zhao Xintong may be tempted to spend some of his lucrative prize on luxury items, which is something Stephen Hendry has previously warned against With Zhao Xintong pocketing £500,000 from his World Snooker Championship victory, he may wish to take advice from Stephen Hendry's rant on not losing focus. China's star had an illustrious run to the Crucible final as an amateur, following a recent return after a 20-month suspension due to match-fixing offences that also saw nine of his compatriots suspended. In an emphatic display, Zhao dismantled veteran Mark Williams in the final, carving out his place in history as Asia's first world champion and snagging a handsome half a million pounds in prize money. Amid this financial windfall, Zhao's agent has committed to keeping the 28-year-old's feet on the ground. However, Zhao himself has now hinted at a potential splurge on luxury timepieces. Like past champions who've indulged in pricey purchases post-victory – including Luca Brecel's famed splashing out on swanky cars after his 2023 win – Zhao could be in line to follow suit, considering Hendry's sage words, which could resonate with him. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Zhao confessed he hadn't yet decided on how to spend his newfound wealth, though he mentioned: "But I do like watches, different brands, too." Prior to this admission, his representative, Victoria Shi, spoke of allowing the snooker sensation to bask in the glow of his earnings while ensuring he doesn't get carried away by the prestige of his new title as world champion, reports the Express. "Let him enjoy [the prize money]," she conceded. "But if he enjoys it too much, I will tell him off. He is the first Asian world champion, and that is huge. But it is my job to make sure he stays grounded." One Crucible champ who arguably didn't keep his feet on the ground was Belgian Brecel. Following his triumph in Sheffield over Mark Selby two years ago, the 30-year-old experienced a severe slump in form, attracting criticism from Hendry, who cautioned about getting carried away with the allure of Crucible wealth, a lesson Zhao and his team might heed. "The way he [Brecel] won the World Championship, the undoubted talent that he's got, I realise he wasn't a prolific winner, but he's hardly won a match since he won the World Championship," the Scotsman commented last year. "What I'm questioning is what he's doing with his career. Does he still want to play snooker? Is he putting the work in? You can say it's a tough sport, but you've got to give the game a bit of respect. Is snooker a priority in his life?" Brecel himself spoke candidly about his decline in performance, admitting that his drive waned after clinching the title, which led him to indulge in luxury cars and extravagant vacations, not exactly the example Zhao intends to follow. "I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire," Brecel reflected on his lavish expenditures. "It was a conscious decision to buy the cars and maybe feel that bit of pressure again, to recreate the feeling I had of just starting my career. "I didn't go lazy, but I just didn't feel that hunger or motivation going from tournament to tournament. I don't like that feeling, and I had to change something. "I wasn't feeling any pressure anymore," he admitted. "I was just playing, and if I lost, I was happy to be home. It's not a good mindset to have."
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I banked £500,000 for winning World Snooker Championship – then I lost millionaire status'
Luca Brecel became a millionaire overnight when he won the World Snooker Championship in 2023, but his millionaire status did not last too long after he splashed the cash Zhao Xintong must take a valuable lesson from Luca Brecel before he decides what to spend his World Snooker Championship winnings on. The Chinese sensation will still be celebrating his victory after overcoming Mark Williams 18-12. Before he decides on what he wants to spend his £500,000 prize on, he should remember Brecel's intense celebrations. After becoming a millionaire with his win at the Crucible, Brecel quickly saw his seven-figure fortunes dwindle. Back in 2023, Brecel stunned fans by taking down Mark Selby 18-15 to win his maiden world championship. The Belgian made history as the first player from continental Europe to claim the title. He showed potential for another run to the final, but Judd Trump halted him at the quarter-finals this year. After winning the championship in 2023, the 'Belgian Bullet' decided to splash the cash on luxury cars, resulting in his millionaire status being no more. In a candid confession prior to defending his title last year, he said: "I bought two more cars this week, so I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire." Reportedly, Brecel splurged over £250,000 on a swift Ferrari 488, dropped £80,000 for a Range Rover, and acquired a Porsche Taycan GT for his girlfriend Laura Vanoverberghe, which was rumoured to cost about £111,000. Yet, his fleet of cars do not often see the road. In an interview with The Sun, Brecel admitted: "I got a couple of cars with my winnings. I got a Ferrari and a couple of others. Just to enjoy myself. I don't really drive it that often. I'm not really home that much." Brecel pocketed a cool £50,000 for making it to the last eight at the Crucible this year – a tidy sum, but just a slice of his 2023 earnings. The Belgian ace was all in to cause a stir at this year's showdown, after an inconsistent last two years. He certainly turned heads when he rocked up at the Crucible in a swanky private jet, even throwing out an invite on social media for other people to hitch a ride. His lavish lifestyle has raised eyebrows before, with snooker icon Stephen Hendry criticising the player's focus. The seven-time world champion said: "I honestly don't know what he's (Brecel) doing with his career. "I haven't got a clue. I see him a lot on Instagram, he's riding his bike all over the place, he's going out to dinners with his girlfriend, he seems to be having a lovely time." While his spending is lavish, Brecel insists his life is relatively low maintenance. He said: "To be honest, I live quite a simple life, apart from the cars maybe. "I just love being at home when I have the chance to be at home. Walk the dog, watch a bit of television, play a few games. A pretty basic life, to be honest. It may not look like that, but it is."
