Luca Brecel, known as “The Belgian Bullet,” has experienced a dramatic decline in his snooker career since his rise to prominence. In May 2023, Brecel became Belgium’s first world champion, securing his place in history. However, his current season has been fraught with challenges, resulting in a significant drop in the world rankings.
Brecel’s Ranking Plummet
Following his world championship win, Brecel climbed to a career-high of world No. 2. As of now, he has fallen to 40th place in the rankings. This sharp decline reflects his struggles during the 2025 season.
Disappointing Tournament Results
Brecel’s performance this year has been lackluster. Notably, he suffered a surprising defeat to Ian Burns, ranked 106th in the world, losing 6-3 in the third qualifying round of the UK Championship. This elimination marks him as a significant underperformer, as he is provisionally ranked 44th at the season’s end and 85th on the one-year list.
Career Statistics and Updates
- Career total of 228 century breaks since turning professional in 2011.
- As of now, Brecel has yet to record a century break this season.
- He has earnings of only £16,800 for the year, raising doubts about his participation in upcoming major events.
Inconsistent Form and Withdrawal
Brecel’s season has been marked by inconsistency and uncharacteristic decisions. He withdrew from several events, including qualifiers for the Wuhan Open and the British Open. In September, he left his match at the Xi’an Grand Prix against Sunny Akani, citing cue problems after falling behind 2-0 and 40-1 in the third frame.
Health Concerns
The 30-year-old has also faced health issues, which have contributed to his erratic performance. Brecel reported persistent fatigue, seeking medical attention multiple times over a few months. He clarified that his concerns are physical, not mental, stating, “I’m perfectly happy. I’m fine.” He continues to seek answers about his health challenges.
Upcoming Competitions
Brecel is scheduled to compete in the Snooker Shoot Out in Blackpool on December 10. Before this, qualifying for the UK Championship will occur from November 22-27, with the main event set for November 29 to December 7 at the Barbican in York.
Luca Brecel’s journey highlights the ups and downs of athletics, illustrating both his past achievements and ongoing struggle to reclaim his former glory in snooker.
