Snooker player who, just before the World Championship, shocked Ronnie O’Sullivan in a crisis
Later this year, Ronnie O’Sullivan will pursue an eighth World Snooker Championship title.
With less than three months to go until this year’s Crucible campaign, world snooker champion Luca Brecel is in a chaotic condition. The Belgian surprised Ronnie O’Sullivan by winning the 2023 championship, but it appears from his recent results in ranking events that he will be far slower in his title defence.
In April of last year, Brecel overcame a 10-6 deficit to defeat the Rocket 13-10 in the quarterfinals. After defeating Mark Selby in the championship match, the 28-year-old won his first global title and a cool £500,000 in prize money.
O’Sullivan exclaimed, “He played unbelievable,” following their Crucible match. I adore watching him play since he is such a talented player. He gets through the ball so nicely with his cue action. It’s amazing. The thud he smacks the ball with, the whip he receives on the white.
He’s definitely the most gifted snooker player I’ve ever seen; he’s such a dynamic player. It would be my pleasure to witness him take the title, as that is the proper way to play snooker. He is a tremendous player and talent.”
But Ding’s first chance to shine without O’Sullivan to worry about won’t be at the German Masters. Though he fell to Yuan Sijun in his qualifying in December, he will have another opportunity to win at the Welsh Open.
O’Sullivan will at the very least not participate in the next competition in Berlin, while he has not yet stated if he will return to compete in Llandudno. In a statement, O’Sullivan said, “Hey guys, I just wanted to let my fans in Germany know that sadly I’ve decided to withdraw from the German Masters next week.”
“I adore the occasion and my German supporters, but my health and well-being must come first. Despite what the tournament victories may suggest, I hope you can realise that this season has been demanding and exhausting for me thus far. I apologise for being unable to attend, and I hope to see you all soon.”
