Luca Brecel knocked out of World Snooker Championship after losing to David Gilbert

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield witnessed a dramatic upset as last year’s champion Luca Brecel was knocked out of the World Snooker Championship by David Gilbert in a thrilling 10-9 match. Brecel, who had been struggling with a throat infection since March, put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short in the deciding frame.

In a post-match interview, Brecel expressed his disappointment at not being able to defend his title, citing his health issues as a contributing factor. Despite his illness, the Belgian player refused to make excuses for his loss, acknowledging that Gilbert had played well and deserved the victory.

On the other hand, Gilbert, ranked 31st in the world, admitted that he had been fortunate to come out on top in a closely contested match. The 42-year-old player praised Brecel’s talent and sportsmanship, highlighting the respect they shared for each other on the table.

With Brecel’s elimination, the ‘Crucible Curse’ continues, as no first-time champion has successfully defended their title the following year. Despite the disappointment of his early exit, Brecel remained philosophical, stating that he was looking forward to not carrying the burden of being a world champion and the attention that came with it.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Gilbert as he advances to the next round, where he will face either Robert Milkins or Pang Junxu. The World Snooker Championship continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.