Snooker sensation Luca Brecel has bravely spoken about a mystery illness that has hampered his season.
The 2023 world champion has endured ups and downs this year and last week lost in the quarter-finals of the English Open.
GettyBrecel has been unable to build on his 2023 world title due to health reasons[/caption]
That came after he missed both the Saudi Arabia Masters and the Wuhan Open.
Having not attended, rumours circulated he was taking a break for his psychological well-being.
However, in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Brecel insisted this wasn’t the case and revealed his physical situation has been the problem.
Why has Luca Brecel been missing snooker tournaments?
He said: “Some people have come up to me and said ‘oh, is it mental health?’ and they have tried to help.
“It’s not my head. I’m perfectly happy. I’m fine. It’s not mental.
“It’s physical things in my body. Strange. I’ve been to the doctor many, many times. Maybe 18 times in three to four months.
“There must be something wrong. But they cannot find anything. I have to deal with it. At least I can play again. I’m happy to be at the table.
“All of a sudden it happened and no-one knows what it is. Still trying to figure it out, I’ve still got scans to do. It’s my body doing strange things.
“Obviously because I wanted to feel good first, and then compete in tournaments, so I’ve been waiting to feel better. And it didn’t quite happen.
“So I thought, well, I’m just going to play now. Whatever happens, I’m just going to play, whatever I feel.
GettyBrecel had previously wanted to enter an ironman triathlon but has seen his training impacted[/caption]
“I feel okay in the game. It’s not every moment of the game, but it’s good enough.
“I’ve not been able to do exercises obviously with all the problems. I was really at quite a good point, doing long-distance running and cycling.
“So, it’s a bit of a pity that that happened. But obviously this is life. It’s going to be ups and downs.”
Will Luca Brecel have to go to Q School?
Lack of time at the baize has seen the Belgian star drop down the world rankings and he currently sits 38th.
Should he drop lower than 64th there is a chance he could have to go to Q School in January, but the player himself doesn’t appear to be too concerned right now.
“I really couldn’t care less,” he laughed. “I’d love to play Q School one day. So maybe?
“I don’t think it’s going to happen because I’m too good. But yeah, it is what it is.
“I guess if I was really worried I wouldn’t skip tournaments would I?”
“I’m not playing in the British Open. But I will be back for the qualifiers for the International Championships in China at the end of September.”
