Former World Snooker Champion Luca Brecel is facing a possible sanction after he abruptly conceded his season-opening match after just two completed frames, having potted a mere seven points. The incident, which has left snooker chiefs unimpressed, occurred during a qualifying match in Leicester for the upcoming Xi’an Grand Prix in China.
Brecel, 30, was 2-0 down to Thai player Sunny Akani in a best-of-nine qualifying match on Tuesday. The Belgian was at the table with Akani leading 40-1 in the third frame when, inexplicably, he rose from his chair and extended his hand to his bewildered opponent.
After a brief, off-mic exchange with Akani, the “Belgian Bullet” shook the referee’s hand and walked away, automatically handing Akani a 5-0 victory. This match marked Brecel’s first appearance of the new season, and his early departure means he has forfeited his spot in the main draw of the Chinese event in October.
Snooker bosses are reportedly displeased with Brecel’s actions, and it is understood the incident is under review. Brecel could face a hefty fine for walking out of the contest, unless he can provide a compelling mitigating reason.
In an Instagram post following the match, Brecel offered a rare public explanation for his sudden exit, blaming his equipment:
“I started the match with a fighting mentality,” Brecel claimed, “But soon realised that there was no feeling in that piece of wood at all.“
He specified that he was using a “borrowed cue from a colleague,” adding that while the feeling in his arm had been “incredibly good the last few weeks,” there was “nothing can be done about it at all, but we keep on going.”
Brecel, whose ranking has slid to World No. 41, has spent the summer away from the competitive circuit, often sharing glimpses of him cycling and dining in his homeland. His recent actions have fueled speculation over his commitment to snooker, with some fearing for his long-term future in the game, particularly the risk of losing his Tour Card.
His recent schedule supports these concerns:
He previously withdrew from the Championship League and the Saudi Arabia Masters for medical reasons.
He also failed to turn up for the Wuhan Open qualifiers.
Brecel’s mid-match walkout draws parallels with the infamous incident involving Ronnie O’Sullivan, who was fined over £20,000 for conceding a UK Championship match against Stephen Hendry in 2006. O’Sullivan, who was struggling with depression and mental health issues at the time, later apologised for his actions. Brecel’s penalty will now be determined by the snooker governing body following their review.