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.”

• 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