‘It’s a huge compliment’ – Luca Brecel flattered by Alex Higgins comparisons after first World Championship victory

Luca Brecel is flattered by comparisons to Alex Higgins after winning his first World Championship in scintillating style.

“It’s great to see the crowds enjoying it and people loving it online as well. That’s the most important thing for me. I think my style can have an impact on kids and the way the game is played, definitely.

“It’s been an incredible World Championship. I’ve played my best stuff here, Si (Jiahui) played a new level of snooker as well I think. It’s the style the people want to see. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I think I’m a nice world champion if you like because I play the game in a very attacking way.

“Look, it’s not always going to work because I’ll miss shots and leave my opponent easy chances, but if it works it’s fascinating to watch.”

The 28-year-old followed in the footsteps of Joe Johnson after not winning a match at the Crucible before ahead of going onto win the tournament.

The Belgian insists that his improved mental strength was a deciding factor in his success this year compared to previous tournaments.

“To win it this year was absolutely crazy. It was the same thing that Joe Johnson did, never winning a match here and then winning it. It’s a dream come true and whatever happens now in my career I can say I’m a world champion.

“I did always believe that I was good enough, and I was good enough. I didn’t always do enough for the game to win at such a young age. And looking back there was no way I could have won it at say 19 or 20. My game was good enough but my mental strength wasn’t. However it is now with all the experience I have had.

“I had won other tournaments and that definitely helped me.”

Johnson spoke about Brecel’s style of play in more detail and says there are comparisons to be made with seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.

“I have loved watching Luca – I am astonished and pleased that he has attacked the game and then executed it as well. People copy the game the world champion plays. When Steve Davis was dominating, we had a lot of players playing in that robotic way,” he explained.

“Jimmy White, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump have inspired players. There is also a lot of Ronnie in Luca – although he is more crazy than Ronnie at the table. He reminds me of Ronnie when he first came on the scene at 17, going for all kinds of shots.

“And it scares people, especially if you pull it off and win frames with it. He’s so good to watch Luca, because you never know what is going to come next.”