World Snooker Championship 2025: Luca Brecel Jokes About Q School Dreams as Rankings Drop Looms

2023 world champion Luca Brecel made a dramatic return to the Crucible, overcoming a sluggish start to defeat four-time quarterfinalist Ryan Day 10-7 in the opening round of the World Snooker Championship.

Box Office or Bust

It was a nightmare opening session for the Belgian Bullet, who found himself trailing 5-1 as Day took early control. But as the game opened up, Brecel pounced on a series of unforced errors to swing the match back in his favour.

Brecel remains one of snooker’s most mercurial talents—electrifying to watch, yet equally frustrating. A naturally gifted ball-striker, only world number one Judd Trump rivals him in cue power. But his concentration lapses, and occasional lack of drive have often proven costly.

During his clash with Day, Brecel threatened to let several frames slip, only to recover with audacious, exhibition-style shots that reminded fans exactly why he's one of the sport’s most watchable players.

Brecel on the Brink?

If history is anything to go by, Brecel could be a dark horse for the title. The last time he cleared the opening round at the Crucible, he went all the way—beating Mark Selby in the 2023 final to lift his maiden world crown.

But his ranking has since taken a dramatic nosedive. Currently provisionally ranked 40^th in the world, Brecel must reclaim his title to stay inside the top 16. Even a runner-up finish—and the £200,000 prize that comes with it—would only lift him to joint 21st.

After the match, we asked Brecel whether that potential rankings drop has added any pressure to his game. His response? As surprising as his shot selection.

“No, it’s less pressure because I really want to go to Q School one day. It’s not helping me winning games. It is what it is," he told SportsBoom.com. 

The comment sums up Brecel’s carefree, unconventional approach. After bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old in 2011 with a wild card, he became the youngest ever qualifier for the World Championship a year later—and has remained a fan favourite ever since.

Ironman in the Making

But snooker isn’t his only obsession these days. Last year, Brecel revealed he’s training for a full Ironman triathlon—a gruelling endurance event that includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon.

We caught up with him in Sheffield to ask how the preparations are going, and whether he’d keep up the grind during the tournament.

“I’ve done some really hard work. It’s quite tough sometimes. I’m doing a lot of cycling and running in one day, so it’s been quite tough.”

Still, while in competition mode, the focus will be solely on snooker.

“No, no, no, not while I’m here. I’m just gonna chill.”

As for the race itself? Brecel has no date in mind just yet—his motivation is more personal than competitive.

“No not yet. To be honest I’m just doing it for myself. For getting fitter and feeling better in myself. That’s the reason I do it.”

Ding Dilemma

Next up for Brecel is a daunting second-round clash with China’s Ding Junhui. The head-to-head record doesn’t favour the Belgian—he’s lost eight of their nine previous meetings. The one glimmer of hope? His lone victory came in their most recent match at the Scottish Open.

If Brecel wants to keep his Crucible campaign—and his top 16 status—alive, he’ll need to channel every ounce of that natural talent, and maybe just a bit of that Ironman grit.