Latest news with #TheBelgianBullet
Wales Online
a day ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Missing former snooker world champion announces 'truth' about long mystery absence
Missing former snooker world champion announces 'truth' about long mystery absence 'Me and my team are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before,' said the snooker ace Brecel (left) has opened up on his health struggles Former snooker world champion Luca Brecel has revealed he is "suffering from health problems", having been absent from tournaments for the last four months. The 30-year-old - who won the Snooker World Championship in 2023 - has pulled out of qualifiers for both the Wuhan and British Opens, as well as the Championship League in recent weeks. He last took to the table at this year's World Championship at the Crucible in April, when he was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Judd Trump. Brecel was due to participate at the Saudi Arabia Masters over the weekend but withdrew from his scheduled match on Sunday due to what he said were "medical reasons". He has now opened up on his health struggles in a social media post, as he issued a message to his followers explaining why he had been missing from the circuit for months. In a story posted on his Instagram account, 'The Belgian Bullet' 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. Me and my team are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before. Article continues below "It's been really frustrating to not be able to travel and compete in tournaments," he added. "But... I always choose to be optimistic! Tough times often lead to something great!" The exact nature of Brecel's health issues has not been disclosed, but they are clearly serious enough to prevent him from travelling to tournaments from his home in Belgium. His medical setback comes within a difficult period in the Belgian star's career, which has stalled somewhat since he was crowned world champion two years ago. That victory saw him defeat four-time champion Mark Selby in the final and propelled him to number two in the world, but Brecel has since endured a tough couple of years. His performances at tournaments last season saw him slip to 39th in the World Snooker Tour rankings, while his health struggles have meant he has missed the first four events of the new snooker calendar. Article continues below When Brecel will return to action remains to be seen, but his earliest opportunity won't come until early September, with the Xi'an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open qualifiers both potential options. It comes after six-time world champion Steve Davis described Brecel as "the most jaw-dropping player" in world snooker after a stunning win over Ding Junhui at the Crucible earlier this year. "We all have our favourites," Davis told the BBC. "But this is the most jaw-dropping player in the game, for me. He is astonishing."
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Luca Brecel reveals Arsenal star arranged private jet for Crucible dash before Ding Junhui win
Luca Brecel often shows up last minute to his snooker matches and decided to fly to the Crucible for his last-16 tie by private jet after some help from his friend and fellow Belgian Leandro Trossard Snooker star Luca Brecel has revealed Arsenal star Leandro Trossard helped him organise a private jet to make it in time for his World Championship clash at the Crucible. The 30-year-old sought advice from his fellow Belgian as he aimed to travel for his last-16 match against Ding Junhui. Brecel ended up romping to a 13-4 victory after a dominant display to help him set up a quarter-finals tie against Judd Trump. 'The Belgian Bullet' is said to have flown from Maastricht in his native Holland on Saturday afternoon before landing at East Midlands Airport at 3.17pm - just hours before he faced Ding Junhui. It then took him an hour to drive to Sheffield by car and he ended up arriving at the Crucible just minutes before his match took place. He has now thanked close friend Trossard for arranging the flight that got him there, admitting it helps his preparations if he arrives just before the start of a match. "I don't like to hang around too long," he said. "I always try to get here as late as possible. Even today, I came here 15 minutes before the game. That has always been my way. As long as it works, it's good. "I just booked it the day before. Obviously, I know Trossard from Arsenal. He arranged it for me. That was quite easy. He gave me the number and I fixed it. I'm not going to say the price. If there's a delay, there's a delay. I left enough time, I guess, to get here. "I'm not sure if I'm playing as good as 2023 but I'm more relaxed and not so worried about winning the title because when I got to the final, I felt it was a golden chance. I feel like I can get back there and win it again. Not that much pressure. It's not taking too much energy out of me – yet." Brecel often shows off his lavish lifestyle and recently admitted he bought a Ferrari 448 for around £220,000, as well as a Porsche and Range Rover. He said having less money helps him stay motivated. "I bought two more cars this week, so I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire," he said. "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.' Brecel's stylish win over Ding earned him huge plaudits from snooker legend Steve Davis, who witnessed his victory from the commentary box. He said: "What an effort that was, I can't tell you how hard that is to do. We've witnessed the most amazing exhibition of snooker, in one session, I think I've ever seen at the Crucible. "Not in an exhibition match, the World Championship. He's done this to one of the greatest players that's ever held a cue, Ding Junhui. Totally taken the thunder from that first frame. Incredible stuff."
