David Gilbert stages incredible comeback to defeat Luca Brecel at World Snooker Championship

David Gilbert staged a remarkable comeback to defeat reigning world champion Luca Brecel in a thrilling final-frame victory at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield. Brecel, who had been struggling with illness leading up to his title defense, fell victim to the infamous ‘Crucible curse’ as Gilbert fought back from a 9-6 deficit to claim a stunning 10-9 win.

The Belgian had led 6-3 after the first session, showcasing his potting prowess with two centuries and two breaks over 70. However, Gilbert, a former semi-finalist, mounted a comeback with three successive half-centuries to level the match before sealing the win with a nerveless 65 break.

Brecel’s reign as champion came to an abrupt end as he failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities to close out the match, ultimately succumbing to Gilbert’s resurgence. A missed green when Brecel was on the brink of victory proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, highlighting the defending champion’s erratic shot choices and careless errors.

For Gilbert, the victory marked a stunning revival after struggling to find success at the Crucible in recent years. The 29-year-old had questioned his motivation to continue playing, but his triumph over Brecel has reignited his passion for the game.

In other matches, Judd Trump established a 6-3 lead over Hossein Vafaei, while Stephen Maguire and Ali Carter were locked in a tight battle with Carter holding a 5-4 advantage. The action continues on Sunday with a packed schedule featuring top players like Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, and Judd Trump.

The World Snooker Championship is off to an exciting start with Gilbert’s comeback victory setting the stage for more thrilling matches to come. Stay tuned for more updates and action from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.