**‘Ronaldinho of Snooker’ Forces Stephen Hendry into Surprising Turnaround: BBC Pundit Now Lavishes Praise After Critique**
In a remarkable and unexpected twist at this year’s World Snooker Championship, legendary player and BBC pundit Stephen Hendry has been compelled to retract his previous criticisms of the Belgian star, Luca Brecel. Once dismissed by Hendry for his unconventional, relaxed approach to the sport, Brecel’s latest performances at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre have now seen the seven-time champion singing his praises.
Hendry had publicly questioned Brecel’s attitude towards professional snooker following his world title triumph in 2023, raising eyebrows by expressing doubt over the 30-year-old’s commitment. “I honestly don’t know what he’s doing with his career,” Hendry admitted in the lead-up to the World Championship. He also referenced Brecel’s playful social media presence, spending time on leisurely pursuits like cycling and dining out, rather than dedicating long hours to practice.
“My approach was always about rigorous practice,” Hendry explained, referencing the intensive training regime that defined his own domination of the game. In contrast, Brecel—who once proudly likened his snooker style to football’s creative genius Ronaldinho—has consistently favoured a less regimented, more free-spirited attitude, both at the table and away from it.
Hendry’s critique went further, saying he could not endorse what he termed Brecel’s “flying in from Majorca between matches.” The suggestion was clear: Brecel’s devotion to snooker, or perceived lack thereof, could not possibly yield top-level results. Yet on Tuesday night during BBC coverage of Brecel’s ongoing quarter-final clash with Judd Trump, Hendry executed an extraordinary about-turn.
As Brecel fought back in his match against Trump, narrowing an early deficit and showing flashes of brilliance reminiscent of his world title run two years prior, Hendry revised his earlier position. Speaking to presenter Seema Jaswal, Hendry described Brecel as an “absolute genius,” remarking that his nonchalant approach, once doubted by many, had disrupted established wisdom within the sport. “He’s approaching the game in a way that no other player has, and he’s still winning,” said Hendry. “Nobody could have predicted a player like him would win the Worlds the way he does.”
Brecel’s journey through the current championship has been nothing short of inspiring. After recovering from behind against Ryan Day in the opening round, he dispatched Ding Junhui in devastating fashion, advancing with a 13-4 victory. The Belgian’s dynamic shot-selction, creative flair, and joy at the table have captivated fans and fellow professionals alike.
Despite his earlier remarks, Hendry is now amongst Brecel’s biggest supporters, calling him “fabulous to watch” and extolling his unique ability to inspire during matches. “When he’s feeling the game, when he gets that buzz, you can’t help but watch him—he’s just brilliant,” the Scot commented.
Judd Trump, Brecel’s current opponent, was equally supportive of the Belgian’s unconventional methods. Trump noted that Brecel’s relaxed lifestyle—eschewing the lengthy practice sessions most professionals embrace—may actually be the key to his success. “If you start practising more, the losses hurt more,” Trump explained. “He’s found a balance where he can really enjoy his snooker. I don’t think anyone can judge someone for being happy off the table—that’s the most important thing.”
The admiration for Brecel’s talent and approach has also been echoed by six-time world champion Steve Davis. During Brecel’s win over Ding, Davis was moved to describe one particular break as “the most amazing exhibition of snooker I think I’ve ever seen at the Crucible.”
As the quarter-final battle with Trump resumes, all eyes are on whether the so-called ‘Ronaldinho of Snooker’ can continue to defy convention and challenge for his second world title in truly individual style. This dramatic change of heart from one of the sport’s legends not only highlights Brecel’s mesmerising impact but serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to bring a fresh perspective to tradition-bound pursuits. Whatever the final result, Brecel’s artistry and joy for the game leaves an indelible mark, and perhaps signals a cultural shift for snooker’s next generation.