It has been a tough time for Luca Brecel on the snooker table, but he feels like he has turned a corner, returning to form and fitness and confident about lifting silverware again. After winning the 2023 World Championship in stunning fashion , the Belgian Bullet had an underwhelming campaign to follow and his title defence ended with a first round defeat to Dave Gilbert. A poor start to this season meant his victory over Anthony Hamilton at the English Open last week was his first match win since March in a remarkable barren spell for a player of his immense talent.
The 29-year-old is into the third round at the British Open this week in Cheltenham, beating Mohammed Shehab and Tian Pengfei so far and looking encouragingly good in doing so. He has been working hard to get back into shape off the table and feels his game is in very decent condition as well. ‘I’m playing the best I have ever played in practice, and in matches I am making progress,’ he said after beating Tian 4-2 on Tuesday night.
‘Everything is sharp and I am in a good space. I am looking forward to this season more than ever. ‘There are a couple of things to improve and I have not been used to winning a lot of games in a row, but I feel I am playing well enough to win the tournament.
‘I have lost around ten kilos so I am feeling fit off the table. Cycling is great because I love being outdoors, it’s good for my body and mind. ‘I used to look at rankings but not any more, I don’t even know whe.