Brecel faced a 6-10 deficit at the start of the third session this afternoon. The 28-year-old Limburger then won no less than seven frames in a row against a pale O’Sullivan, who made an unusual number of mistakes.
Brecel and O’Sullivan faced each other for the fifth time. Brecel had beaten the Englishman only once before, in 2017 at the China Championship. Earlier this year, O’Sullivan easily won 6-1 at the Masters tournament in London.
Luca Brecel takes part in the World Cup for the sixth time in The Crucible in Sheffield, England. He made his debut in 2012 as the youngest player ever, only 17, and was then also there in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022. It always ended for Brecel in the first round.
His opponent in the semifinals will be the Scot Anthony McGill (WS 21) or the surprising Chinese Si Jiahui (WS 80). They keep each other in balance for the time being (8-8).
O’Sullivan made no secret of his admiration afterwards. “Brecel played unbelievably. I like to watch him work. He is such a dynamic player, brimming with talent. He’s probably the most talented snooker player I’ve ever seen.” Strong words from someone who has been involved in the professional circuit for decades. “Brecel is also a great guy. Hopefully he will now win the world title.” For Ronnie “The Rocket” O’Sullivan, the World Cup ends in the quarterfinals. The 47-year-old snooker legend therefore remains stuck on seven world titles (2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2022).
