Luca Brecel Raises Eyebrows at Crucible with Bow Tie Change for Snooker World Championship Defence

Luca Brecel, the defending champion of the Snooker World Championship, made a bold statement upon his return to the Crucible this Saturday. The Belgian snooker player, who claimed his first world title in 2023 by defeating Mark Selby, caught the referee’s attention by ditching the traditional bow tie in favor of an open collar.

As Brecel faced off against Dave Gilbert in the last 32, fans and viewers couldn’t help but notice the absence of the customary dickie bow that is synonymous with snooker tournaments. Referee Paul Collier even questioned Brecel about the missing accessory, sparking speculation among spectators.

It seems that Brecel has never been a fan of the bow tie, as he has previously expressed his dislike for the garment. In an interview with Metro in 2023, he admitted, “The bow tie is just horrible. I lose about 20 per cent of my game when I play with a bow tie.” This sentiment was echoed by other players backstage, according to reports from the Mirror.

In addition to his sartorial choices, Brecel also shared his thoughts on potential changes to the sport, suggesting a reevaluation of the dress code and the implementation of a shot clock to make the game more attractive and quicker.

Despite the focus on Brecel’s attire, the defending champion managed to secure a lead in the opening session of his match against Gilbert. The victor of this best-of-19 frames match will go on to face either Robert Milkins or Pang Junxu in the next round.

As the Snooker World Championship continues to unfold at the Crucible, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected moments from the top players in the sport. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and results from this prestigious tournament.