Luca Brecel torn apart live on TV after getting whitewashed | Other | Sport
Luca Brecel was torn to shreds by a snooker pundit following his dismal 4-0 loss to Jackson Page at the Welsh Open. Brecel, who has dropped as low as 46th in the world rankings, has struggled for form ever since he won the World Championship title in 2023.
The Belgian is yet to reach a final of a ranking event since being crowned world champion, and has made just one semi-final in that same time. And after crashing out of the Welsh Open in the opening round, pundit Alan McManus had some harsh words for the ex-Crucible king.
Speaking on TNT Sport’s coverage, McManus said: “Jackson [Page, was] pretty good, he didn’t have an awful lot to beat if I am going to be honest for most of it. The mystery man goes on, touching on Luca, it’s too much to say I don’t know where he goes from here but I am looking for more time and time again.
“I liked the fact that he started to get a little more busy on the tour, but some of his shots are just… not lazy, I am not going to say that, but he is not taking enough care and attention on some shots that are really just bog-standard.
“I just don’t know where his game is. He plays that and can’t do anything about that, but he’s not looking to put Jackson in trouble. Sometimes you have got to take your medicine, there’s nothing on, just push something safe. He doesn’t make those moves these days enough for me. I am disappointed.”
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Brecel made the semi-final of the Welsh Open last year, during what was one of his rare strong showings at a ranking event since winning the World Championship. When asked whether Brecel performed poorly because he’s lacking match sharpness, McManus replied: “Yes, but it’s a chicken and egg thing, which one comes first. You have to play all the time, year on year, season on season, and then results and performances and wins, it all comes as a package.
“You can slip in and out, but I’ve said before, it’s a lifestyle choice. Not for 12 months of the year, it doesn’t have to be, but you have to be dedicated to the craft. Luca has all the ability, we talk about [Zhao] Xintong, Xintong in some ways can’t hold a candle to Luca, he’s that gifted. And I am really, really disappointed, because I am a massive fan. You can’t just turn up and get by on ability and talent, I just want to see Luca do better, we all do.”
