STEPHEN HENDRY has expressed mixed feelings towards Luca Brecel’s unique approach to snooker.
The 2023 world champion is at risk of dropping off the professional tour after tumbling down to 75th in the provisional world rankings.
A good run in the UK Championship in York could help Brecel salvage things, but time is running out for the Belgian.
That said, Brecel, 29, doesn’t seem overly concerned about it.
He has a relaxed attitude to the game, flying back and forth between tournaments and trips abroad.
Brecel appears to be prioritising training for an Ironman triathlon event in 2028.
But this laid-back snooker strategy has left Hendry dumbfounded.
On Brecel’s casual commutes, Hendry told Reach’s special for the UK Championship: “As a snooker player, I cannot buy into what he’s doing.
“Flying in from Majorca between matches as he did during the Northern Irish Open and stuff.
“But then, I don’t know what his priorities in life are. Maybe snooker isn’t his priority anymore, and you’ve got to respect that.
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“If that’s what he wants to do, that’s it. You could criticise if he wants to win snooker tournaments, because that’s not the way to do it.
“But if he’s not bothered whether he wins or lose, if he wants to do this Ironman stuff and play snooker as a hobby, then good luck to him.”
He added: “For me, as someone who dedicated their whole life to win, I don’t understand it. But it’s his life.
“Luca’s different to anyone else on the tour in that respect. Even when he won the World Championship, he was travelling back and forth to Belgium.
“But who can criticise when he goes on and wins the World Championship?
“He could win the next tournament and prove everyone wrong. From my point of view, I couldn’t do it and I don’t understand it.
“But I look on his Instagram and it looks like he’s having an incredible life, so good luck to him.”
Brecel faces Welsh potter Jak Jones tonight in the opening round, looking to move on from his recent woes.
By Rob Maul
IF YOU became a world champion of your sport and pocketed £500,000 prize money, how exactly would you celebrate?
Maybe buy a nice car. Treat the missus. Go on a lavish holiday perhaps.
Well, Luca Brecel has done all of that and more – put simply, he’s had the time of his life over these past 12 months.
The Belgian Bullet was crowned King of Sheffield in May 2023 in remarkable fashion, despite no practice and having never won a match at the venue on previous visits.
Brecel immediately splash £250,000, half of his World Champs earnings, on a stunning red Ferrari 488 – which he admits he NEVER drives.
He has since lived the high life, exploring the globe with his girlfriend Laura, piling on the pounds with some fine dining and hangout out with an Arsenal star.
He even lost his Crucible-winning cue.
Find out more about Brecel’s incredible year…
