David Gilbert says snooker bosses have wasted a golden chance to promote the game on the back of “playboy” world champ Luca Brecel.
‘Belgian Bullet’ Brecel has enjoyed life in the fast lane since beating Mark Selby 18-15 in last season’s classic Crucible showpiece. He splashed the cash on a £250,000 limited edition Ferrari 488, bought a Range Rover Sport HST and treated his girlfriend to a flash Porsche Taycan.
Brecel, the only player from mainland Europe to be world champion, has enjoyed travelling the globe for big-money exhibitions. And his luxurious lifestyle led to him going on a strict diet to shed the pounds before his title defence. Ahead of locking horns with Brecel on the opening day of the 17-day bonanza on Saturday, Tamworth qualifier Gilbert said: “Luca Brecel is the boy.
“He has maximum flair, spends all his money. Lives like a playboy. He plays the game how kids want to play. How World Snooker haven’t had that boy as the main focus for every comp this year, I have no idea.
“You are all hyping Jack Lisowski every day and the guy hasn’t even won anything. He gets more coverage than Luca still. I find it unbelievable. Luca is the one. I’d love moments like he had last year. But I don’t have Luca’s power.”
But governing body the WST responded: “We include a wide range of players in our content, often focusing on the best up-and-coming talent. Last summer we invested significant resource in a special feature on Luca Brecel, shot on location in Belgium, including an interview inside his Ferrari.
“We have run many other pieces about Brecel throughout the season.” Meanwhile, world No.1 Ronnie O’Sullivan played down his favourite tag ahead of his bid for a record eighth title.
He plays Welsh qualifier Jackson Page on Wednesday and insisted: “I don’t feel like the favourite. I’ve won quite a lot this year, but winning and playing well are two totally different things.”
