History beckons for Brecel, despite being locked in loo
Luca Brecel last night revealed being locked in a bathroom almost cost him a chance at a slice of snooker history at this week’s UK Championship.
The 26-year-old will become the first player from mainland Europe to win a Triple Crown event if he pockets the prestigious title in today’s final.
But “Belgian Bullet” Brecel, who blasted in four century breaks to beat world No. 5 Kyren Wilson 6-4, faced a mad dash to make the start of his last-16 match against Anthony Hamilton earlier this week.
“I was in the apartment and I got locked in,” reflected Brecel.
“I didn’t know how to open it so I was worried. I was panicking.
“My girlfriend called the owner of the apartment because I had to play Anthony Hamilton.
“I was panicking for about 10 minutes, but it felt like two hours.
“I was worried about not being able to play.
“I was lucky. I had 40 minutes to get to the venue before missing my match and I had a 10-minute walk, too.”
The brilliant Belgian potter produced breaks of 130, 105, 59, 102, 97, 80 and 112 to give himself a shot at the £200,000 top prize tonight.
Brecel has been tipped for a huge future in the sport ever since he became the youngest player to grace the Crucible at 17 in 2012.
And he’s desperate to smash that glass ceiling with a famous title triumph.
Former China Championship winner Brecel, who received
a standing ovation from the packed York crowd, added: “I had a dream that I made the final and won 10-6.
“This is a huge win for me and my career. It’s unbelievable.
“It’s amazing to be in such a big final.
“I feel like my career is only just beginning. I’m only 26, people think my career’s coming to an end but they forget my age.
“It would be extra special to win the tournament. It would be huge for me.
“It was a special feeling to perform like that in front of such a big crowd.
“It would be nice to win it.” Meanwhile, Chinese potting sensation Zhao Xintong last night blew away Barry Hawkins 6-1 in the other semi to also reach today’s final.
It will be the youngest final since Judd Trump beat Mark Allen in 2011 for the £200,000 top prize at York’s Barbican.
“I’m really happy to be in the final,” beamed Xintong.
“I was a little nervous because it was the first time being in a big semi-final.
“I had to try to control myself and my nerves.
“I would love to win it. I have more confidence to be a champion than I have before.”
There will be a new name on the UK trophy for the first time since Neil Robertson in 2013.