World champion Luca Brecel makes vow to fans in chase for No. 1 spot – ‘I have a responsibility to snooker’
Luca Brecel is two wins away from becoming the new world No. 1 at the European Masters in Nuremberg – and has vowed to use his world champion status to inspire his quest for top spot.
Playing with a new cue in Germany, Brecel admits he is happy to accept the extra demands of being the world champion to improve his focus on the table.
“At 3-0 down, I wasn’t in the game and he was playing really well. I think I had to take my chance in the frame before the interval. At 4-0 down, there is probably no chance. I’m really proud of myself to keep fighting,” he told reporters.
“There have been world champions that have struggled in the past, but I kind of like it. Always being on table one focuses me. Maybe on a different table at 3-0 down I would have given up easier.
“Now I am a world champion, I have a responsibility to the crowd and snooker in general.”
The 28-year-old Brecel occupies the world No. 2 spot after his landmark 18-15 victory over Mark Selby at the Crucible in May saw him become his country’s first world champion, but top spot in the sport would round off a remarkable few months for the former Scottish Open winner.
“I have a good chance now. I’m only two games away and there is a lot to play for,” he said.
“It is something new for me to play for so much. The World Championship and now the world No. 1 spot. It’s exciting times.”
Friday’s order of play
- Lyu Haotian v David Gilbert
- Ashley Hugill v Mark Selby
- Noppon Saengkham v Jimmy Robertson
- Barry Hawkins v Luca Brecel
- Kyren Wilson v John Higgins
- Judd Trump v Ashley Carty
- Lyu Haotian/Gilbert v Hugill/Selby
- Saengkham/Robertson v Hawkins/Brecel
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