Rocket urges Luca to copy Usain
Ronnie O’Sullivan believes Luca Brecel could race back up the rankings – if he follows in the footsteps of Usain Bolt.
The Rocket reckons the sprint legend’s relaxed demeanour masked an incredible work ethic.
The seven-time world champ told Eurosport: “A happy person is normally a happy snooker player, but you have got to put the work in.
“Even Usain Bolt had to put a lot of training in if he wanted to win medals, and he is probably the most talented, gifted specimen of a sportsman there has ever been.
“But if you watch his documentary he worked really hard. If he didn’t, he would not win, and that applies to everybody.”
Hendry shocked by Brecel’s approach
Luca Brecel’s 6-5 loss to Jak Jones leaves the 2023 world champ closer than ever to dropping off the tour – after a remarkable plunge to 61st in the rankings.
And seven-time ex-Crucible king Stephen Hendry is amongst those puzzled by the Belgian’s confession that he flits into events from his Mallorca base.
Hendry said: As a snooker player, I cannot buy into what he’s doing, flying in from Mallorca between matches and stuff.”
“But then, I don’t know what his priorities in life are.
“Maybe snooker isn’t his priority any more, and you’ve got to respect that. If that’s what he wants to do, that’s it.
“For me, as someone who dedicated their whole life to winning, I don’t understand it. But it’s his life. Luca’s different to anyone else on the tour in that respect.”
Holt never doubted himself
Michael Holt hailed his shock 6-1 win over Gary Wilson by insisting dropping off the tour in 2022 HELPED him.
The English ace, 46, is now in the last 16 of the UK Championship for the first time in 25 years.
He said: “That score flattered me and it was closer than that.
“This time last year I was getting ready to go to Q Tour 5 in Brighton, which I won, and now to think a year later I’m in the last 16 of the UK Championship so that’s something I’m really pleased with.
“My game is there, it has always been there, I just have to try to let it out. To be in this arena, I obviously loved it, the crowd were great and this is a brilliant tournament.”
He was off the Tour two years ago but added: “You always believe [you can get back] but you never know what’s going to happen.
“Being off the tour did hurt but it was one of the best things to happen to me.
“I’ve always appreciated it [being a professional] and you realise you are privileged…The way I got back on was a confidence boost.”
