Luca Brecel reveals "health problems" are behind months-long absence
Belgian snooker player Luca Brecel says “health problems” have kept him from competing in tournaments for several months. The former world champion shared the news in an Instagram story, but did not say when he will return.
Brecel last played a tournament match in late April, losing to Judd Trump in the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. Since then, the 30-year-old has skipped qualifiers for several major events, including the Wuhan Open and the British Open.
Last weekend, he also withdrew from the Saudi Arabia Masters, where he had been scheduled to face England’s Sanderson Lam in the third round. Brecel had offered no explanation for his absence, until he posted an Instagram story on Sunday evening.
“My team and myself are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before," Brecel wrote. "It’s been really frustrating not being able to travel and participate in tournaments! But… I always choose to be optimistic! Tough times often lead to something great!”
“My team and myself are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before"
The Belgian did not reveal the nature of his health issues or give a timeline for his return. The earliest opportunity will be in September, when qualifiers begin for the Xi’an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open.
Brecel made history in 2012 when, at just 17, he became the youngest snooker player ever to qualify for the World Championships. In 2023, he became the first player from mainland Europe to win the world title. Since then, the Belgian has struggled for form, slipping from number two to 39th in the World Snooker Tour rankings.
#FlandersNewsService | Brecel in 2023. PHOTO © Oli SCARFF / AFP
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