Former snooker world champion Luca Brecel has disclosed that his recent absence from competitive play is due to a mysterious health condition.
Brecel, aged 30, has been sporadically participating in tournaments this season, citing health concerns as the reason for his intermittent presence. He made a comeback at the English Open, where he reached the quarter-finals but was defeated by Zhou Yuelong.
His appearance at the English Open marked his first since April when he withdrew from the Saudi Arabia Masters qualifying and opted out of the Wuhan Open. Speculation had arisen regarding Brecel’s mental health being the cause of his break from the sport, but he clarified that his absence was health-related.
In an interview with The Sun, Brecel addressed the speculation, stating, “It’s not a mental issue. I’m mentally sound and content. The reason lies in physical health concerns. I have undergone multiple medical examinations, but the cause remains elusive. Despite the uncertainty, I am grateful to be back on the snooker table.”
Brecel emphasized his desire to return to peak physical condition before resuming competitive play but acknowledged the challenges posed by his undisclosed health condition. Despite setbacks in his health, he remains optimistic about his future in the sport.
Once a prominent figure in snooker, winning the World Championship title in 2023 by defeating Mark Selby, Brecel’s current world ranking has dropped to 41st due to his health struggles.
While there is a possibility of him having to enter Q School in January 2026 if he falls out of the top 64 rankings, Brecel remains focused on participating in more tournaments to regain his ranking points.
Renowned snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, a supporter of Brecel, has expressed confidence in his talent, believing that Brecel’s skill transcends the need for exceptional performance to secure victories.