Defending World Snooker champion Luca Brecel out in first round after shock loss to British qualifier David Gilbert
THE CRUCIBLE curse has struck again – as Luca Brecel became the latest victim.
No first-time winner of the World Snooker Championship in more than four decades has successfully retained the title.
Brecel, winner of a maiden crown in 2023, had hoped to change that dynamic this year in Sheffield with his swashbuckling brand of play.
Yet he suffered one almighty collapse as he bombed out in a final-frame decider with qualifier David Gilbert.
The Belgian Bullet is the 19th man that has been claimed by the Curse as he departed the tournament on the opening day.
Gilbert, 42, fought back from 9-6 down to celebrate an epic victory 10-9, his best result of an underwhelming season in which he has battled private issues.
The Angry Farmer – who will play either Robert Milkins or Pang Junxu in the second round – has blown open the top half of the draw with this seismic achievement.
He led 69-0 in the last frame, even though he had missed a match ball red to the bottom pocket, but did enough to progress with a super red to the middle pocket.
In fairness, Brecel came into this match not feeling great, having picked up a bug from last month’s World Masters of Snooker in Saudi Arabia.
The No.1 seed has a throat infection and it was feared he may struggle to talk or lose his voice completely on Friday’s media day.
It is tradition and standard practice for snooker stars to play while wearing a Dicky Bow, especially during the 17-day Worlds in Sheffield.
Yet the bald-headed, brushy-bearded cueist had a medical exemption that was accepted by the World Snooker Tour, which meant he did not need the important item of clothing.
When he walked into the famous theatre at 10am, Welsh referee Paul Collier immediately inquired about the top button of his shirt being wide open.
Eagle-eyed Collier said: “Play well, Luca. Have you not got a bowtie?”
After two successive first-round losses, Gilbert will now bank £30,000 for making the last 16 – his highest break was 115 – and this will significantly boost his ranking for next season.
Last year, Brecel became the fourth person in the Crucible era from outside the UK to lift the world championship.
An 18-15 final victory over Selby was stunning reward for an incredible tournament in which he came from behind in the quarters versus Ronnie O’Sullivan and semi-finals versus Si Jiahui.
Afterwards, Brecel said: “I feel tired. It was not easy being ill, I tried. David played well, a fantastic player.
“He deserves it. He is a good guy. I hope he wins it. I never really settled or felt good.
“I don’t think I could try any harder. It’s not an excuse.
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“Everyone gets ill sometimes. My throat is so sore – I sound like Tyson Fury.
“It was a good match. I tough him I hope he wins it.
“I will work on my fitness and try to get back into shape. Snooker is second place now. I hope I can get stronger for next season. I need some time off.”
After victory, Gilbert reacted: “The state of my game about 4-5 weeks ago, I pulled out of a event in China, I couldn’t face it.
“I have massive respect for Luca, a legend of the game. Luca made mistakes. He should have won 10-6.”