2024 World Snooker Championship: Luca Brecel on Ending the Crucible Curse, and the Surprising Parallels with Darts Sensation Luke Littler

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com at the World Snooker Tour's pre-2024 Cazoo World Snooker Championship Media Day, defending champion Luca Brecel revealed his mindset, confidence, and motivations as he prepares to defend his title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Reflecting on his mindset going into the tournament, Brecel exuded a calm confidence, contrasting it with the stress he felt during his first title world title win. He emphasised his newfound composure, stating, "Last year I was just so focused on winning my first game, I was stressed. But this year I feel completely different, no stress, no pressure."

“It’s the same balls on the table as last year and I’m under no illusions that I can do it again, but now I know how to win, I just to need to stay calm and hopefully I will play well.”

Despite lacking motivation earlier in the season, Brecel acknowledged that the prospect of defending his title has reignited his competitive fire. "I haven’t felt motivated all year, unless I’ve reached the latter stages of tournaments, I can’t get that same buzz back. If I can win my first couple matches, I’ll be hungry to win my second championship," he remarked, highlighting the importance of momentum in maintaining his drive throughout the tournament.

Image credit: WST

Addressing the pressure of being the defending champion, Brecel revealed a surprising perspective. "Now I’m champion, they expect me to do well, so I felt way more pressure last year," he admitted, indicating that the burden of expectation has lifted, allowing him to focus solely on his performance.

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of Brecel's ascent to the summit of world snooker lies in his transformation from a player struggling to secure a single victory at the Crucible to a reigning champion poised to defend his title. Prior to his triumph last year, the Belgian Bullet had faced disappointment in all five of his previous attempts at the iconic venue. 

“I would say there was more attention on me last year actually. Because I had never won a game here [at the Crucible], many people were on my back to get my first win.” 

Despite facing setbacks in his preparation due to illness and missed qualifications in ranking tournaments in the lead up to the Crucible, Brecel remained resolute in his belief of clinching back-to-back titles. "I haven’t had the best preparation, I have been ill the past few weeks, and obviously haven’t qualified for a few events but my mindset is really good. I’m in the perfect place to come here and win the tournament," he affirmed, showcasing his unwavering determination.

Discussing his first-round opponent, David Gilbert, Brecel acknowledged the challenge but remained unfazed. “Gilbert is one of the hardest draws I could have pulled, he’s a very dangerous player. It’s important I have a strong first session and get comfortable back on the big stage. I can be a slow burner so even if I’m losing 5-4 going into the evening session, I’ll be settled and comfortable to go on and win in the second session,” he asserted, underscoring his confidence in his ability to adapt and prevail.

Gilbert secured his place in the 2024 World Snooker Championship by defeating Xiao Guodong with a commanding 10-6 victory during snooker's Judgement Day at the English Institute of Sport. With prior semi-final appearances in the tournament, Gilbert's track record highlights the formidable challenge awaiting Luca Brecel in the first round. 

Later in the interview, the conversation took an unexpected turn when the Belgian began to draw parallels between himself and darts sensation Luke Littler, shedding light on their shared approach and personality traits. Brecel remarked, "If he wins or loses, it doesn’t seem to change his approach, we [Luke Littler] are the same. I’m a lot more experienced in my sport than him, but you wouldn’t know it which how he acts."

He went on to highlight Littler's candid nature, stating, "He’s very open with his approach, if he wins 200 grand, he’s not afraid to tell you he’s going to spend it on FIFA points, and I’m very much like that." 

Brecel further highlighted their mutual humility, noting, "He’s a very humble character, like me, and very good for the world of sport." This comparison offers a unique glimpse into Brecel's perspective on his own character within the world of snooker, showcasing his admiration for Littler's authenticity and the shared values they uphold in their respective sports.

Image credit: PDC