Luca Brecel GLAD World Snooker Championship reign is over after shock opening day defeat to David Gilbert

Luca Brecel claims he is GLAD his reign as snooker world champion is over as he crashed out in a shock opening day defeat to David Gilbert.

The "curse of the Crucible" struck again, as still NO first-time world champ has returned to Sheffield and successfully defended their crown. Brecel's 2023 triumph came after he'd never won a World Championship match, and it seems he's reverted to form in 2024. A throat infection had the Belgian laid low in the build up the tournament, which he swerved wearing a traditional bowtie for, drawing questions from the referee.

But Brecel admitted that he's been looking forward to the season ending for WEEKS, and is glad he's no longer the reigning champion. He wasn't a fan of having the snooker spotlight on him and is keen to get the head down after a whirlwind year. And he'll get his wish after his first round exit and the hands of the world no 31.

He said: "It was a good year, but I look forward to not being a world champion again - I don't like all the attention. I've been waiting for the season to end for a few weeks. It's just a game, why should you be happy if you win and sad if you lose?"

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