Former world champion snooker player Luca Brecel recently disclosed that his time away from the sport was due to an undisclosed health issue. Brecel, 30, had been sporadically participating in competitions this season, with his most recent appearance being at the English Open where he reached the quarter-finals but was defeated by Zhou Yuelong.
Prior to the English Open, Brecel had been absent from the World Championship in April and had also opted out of the Saudi Arabia Masters qualifying rounds and the Wuhan Open, sparking rumors about his well-being, including speculation about his mental health. However, Brecel clarified that his break from snooker was not related to mental health concerns during an interview with The Sun.
The snooker star explained, “It’s not a mental issue. I’m content and in good spirits. The reason for my absence is physical. I’ve undergone numerous medical evaluations without a clear diagnosis. I’m grateful to be back playing, despite ongoing health uncertainties.”
Brecel, who secured the World Championship title in 2023 by defeating Mark Selby, is currently ranked 41st globally. If his ranking falls below the top 64, he would need to participate in Q School in January 2026. Despite this potential scenario, Brecel remains optimistic about his ability to accumulate ranking points through tournament participation.
Renowned snooker figure Ronnie O’Sullivan expressed confidence in Brecel’s capabilities, emphasizing his talent over consistent outstanding performances. O’Sullivan stated earlier in the year, “I believe someone like him is so talented that he doesn’t need to play brilliantly to win.”