Former snooker world champion Luca Brecel has disclosed that his recent absence from the sport is due to an undisclosed health condition. Brecel, who has been in and out of tournaments this season, recently participated in the English Open, reaching the quarter-finals where he was defeated by Zhou Yuelong.
This appearance marked his return to competitive play since the World Championship in April, as he had previously withdrawn from qualifying for the Saudi Arabia Masters and skipped the Wuhan Open. Speculation had arisen regarding his absence being related to mental health concerns; however, Brecel clarified that his hiatus was due to physical health issues.
In a recent interview with The Sun, Brecel stated that despite numerous doctor visits, the root cause of his health problems remains unknown. He emphasized that his ailment is not mental but rather physical, affecting his ability to engage in physical activities like running and cycling. Despite the challenges, Brecel expressed his determination to continue playing and addressing his health issues.
Having been at the pinnacle of the snooker world in 2023 after winning the World Championship, Brecel’s current ranking has dropped to 41st due to his health struggles. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of him falling out of the top 64, which would require him to participate in Q School in January 2026. Nonetheless, Brecel remains optimistic, focusing on participating in more tournaments to boost his rankings.
Renowned snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan, a supporter of Brecel, remains confident in his abilities, emphasizing that Brecel’s talent transcends the need for peak performance to achieve success in the sport.