WK snooker
Sheffield –
Luca Brecel stumbled in the first round of the World Snooker Championship, he was unable to gain a 9-6 lead against David Gilbert (9-10). “I was completely exhausted, I was happy that it was over,” sighed a hoarse Brecel.
There was a huge difference between the confident Luca Brecel, who ran to 6-3 in the morning and his tired version who crashed in the evening session. “I was devastated but I didn’t want to use my illness as an excuse. David was the better player and deservedly won. Fortunately, I managed to get to nine frames before.”
Those who are not fresh in their minds often make the wrong decisions at the table. Brecel illustrated this several times in the final phase. “You are one hundred percent right there,” Brecel smiled. “I felt good this afternoon, and you could see that in my game. Tonight was completely different. I don’t even remember what I was thinking at any given moment. Yet it still could have worked. That green ball must have been in the penultimate frame, but I might have missed the next red one. Of course I wanted to win, after four days of rest I could have been here in a completely different shape. But it was over, that last pot from Gilbert was a relief in a way. I was glad it was over.”
Brecel is also happy that the season is over. “To be honest, I’m going to enjoy being able to live life a little more anonymously again. I love the game itself very much, but I prefer not to have too much fuss about it. All spotlights should be on the next world champion. Hopefully it will be David Gilbert. He is a wonderful guy who I wish for everything. I want to work on my fitness again in the coming weeks and months. So that I can start the new season with a fresh head and a healthy body.” (mg)
