**Former World Snooker Champion Luca Brecel Misses Season Opener Amid Ongoing Struggles**
The new snooker season has kicked off with a surprising development, as former world champion Luca Brecel failed to attend his scheduled qualifying match at the Wuhan Open, sparking fresh debate about his recent form and commitment to the sport. Brecel’s absence meant his scheduled opponent, Pakistan’s Haris Tahir, progressed automatically to the tournament’s last-64 stage, as per official rules.
The match was set to take place in Leicester and drew attention when it became apparent—via live commentary updates on the World Snooker Tour’s official site—that Brecel was not in attendance. Frame after frame was awarded to Tahir, culminating in a 5-0 victory by default. For Tahir, this means direct entry to the next round, where a lucrative first prize of £140,000 is up for grabs.
Luca Brecel has been a prominent figure in snooker since his remarkable World Championship triumph in 2023, when he stunned Mark Selby at the Crucible to become the first player from continental Europe to lift the trophy. However, the Belgian’s fortunes have taken a sharp turn since those heady days. The 30-year-old openly admitted he lost his millionaire status soon after the win, citing extravagant spending on luxury vehicles and other high-end purchases, including a Ferrari 488 and BMW M4.
Meanwhile, social media offered clues as to Brecel’s location during the missed match. The snooker star posted images on Instagram showing him in Belgium enjoying wine and pizza with his partner, Shawney Demuyter, seemingly unbothered by the ongoing qualifiers. This continues a pattern for the Belgian, who has previously risked late arrivals at major tournaments by shuttling between his home country and events, occasionally cutting it uncomfortably close.
This season-opening absence is not an isolated incident; Brecel has flirted with disciplinary lines before. He nearly missed his opening match at the Scottish Open in a previous season, and last year, he failed to appear for a Xi’an Grand Prix qualifier, resulting in another walkover. Such behaviour has raised eyebrows among fans and commentators who question whether his commitment to professional snooker remains intact.
Brecel’s ranking has suffered significantly due to these developments. Having reached the pinnacle of the sport just two years ago, he now finds himself slipping outside the elite ranks, dropping to World No. 39 and relinquishing the valuable ranking points earned through his Crucible triumph. Without participation and wins on tour, it has become increasingly difficult for him to maintain his status among snooker’s best.
What perhaps sets Brecel apart is his openly casual attitude toward competition and titles. He has stated publicly that he is not focused on winning another world title, instead prioritising entertainment and personal enjoyment over conventional sporting ambition. “I just like playing the game… It’s all about just entertaining and having fun,” he remarked in a recent interview, comparing himself to footballing icon Ronaldinho in terms of prioritising flair over results.
Brecel’s free-spirited approach extends beyond the snooker table. Shortly after becoming world champion, he revealed that a significant portion of his prize earnings were spent on high-priced cars and gifts for loved ones. Such financial choices, while understandable in the context of newfound fame, have contributed to his descent from millionaire status and have possibly influenced his current sporting situation.
As the new snooker season unfolds, the sport’s community will be watching closely to see if Brecel rediscovers his passion for competitive play or continues to follow his own less conventional path. For now, his absence at the Wuhan Open is yet another chapter in the unpredictable story of one of snooker’s most talented yet enigmatic stars.