Luca Brecel reveals illness during World Snooker Championships exit

In a shocking turn of events at the World Snooker Championships, defending champion Luca Brecel suffered a surprising first-round exit at the hands of David Gilbert. The Belgian player, who won the title in 2023, revealed that he was battling an illness during the match, which ultimately affected his performance on the table.

Brecel had taken a 9-6 lead on the opening day of the tournament and looked poised to advance to the next round. However, Gilbert mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive frames to knock out the reigning champion. This marked the 19th time a first-time champion failed to defend their title at the Crucible.

Speaking after the defeat, Brecel admitted to feeling “really tired” during the evening session and acknowledged Gilbert’s strong performance. Despite his illness, Brecel gave his best effort but ultimately fell short in the match.

Looking ahead, Brecel revealed his plans to take some time off from the sport to focus on improving his fitness and getting back in shape. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health before returning to competitive play.

On the other hand, Gilbert expressed his relief at securing a win in a major arena after a long time. The 42-year-old player admitted to struggling with his temper during the match but remained focused on building on this victory for a positive run in the tournament.

As the World Snooker Championships continue, fans will be eagerly watching to see how both Brecel and Gilbert fare in their future matches, with Brecel aiming to make a strong comeback after his unexpected early exit.