It may have taken him nine years more than he originally planned, but Luca Brecel’s childhood prophecy has finally been fulfilled. Before he had even stepped through the doors of a Crucible Theatre as a highly-rated 17-year-old, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history, the Belgian had already predicted he would become world champion by the age of 19.
That, clearly, did not materialise as planned. Brecel hadn’t even won a match here as recently as three weeks ago, going out in the first round on all five of his previous appearances at the Crucible. But now, snooker has its first world champion from mainland Europe and the boy who first picked up a cue as a precocious nine-year-old has delivered on his promise.
