BOSSES DIDN’T CASH IN ON LUCA

DAVID GILBERT says snooker bosses have wasted a golden chance to promote the game on the back of “playboy” world champ Luca Brecel.

‘Belgian Bullet’ Brecel has enjoyed life in the fast lane since beating Mark Selby 18-15 in last season’s classic Crucible showpiece.

He splashed the cash on a €290,000 limited edition Ferrari 488, bought a Range Rover Sport HST and treated his girlfriend to a flash Porsche Taycan.

Brecel, the only player from mainland Europe to be world champion, has enjoyed travelling the globe for big-money exhibitions. And his luxurious lifestyle led to him going on a strict diet to shed the pounds before his title defence.

Ahead of locking horns with Brecel on the opening day of the 17-day bonanza tomorrow, Tamworth qualifier Gilbert said: “Luca Brecel is the boy.

Money

“He has maximum flair, spends all his money. Lives like a playboy. He plays the game how kids want to play.

“How World Snooker haven’t had that boy as the main focus for every comp this year, I have no idea.

“You are all hyping Jack Lisowski every day and the guy hasn’t even won anything. He gets more coverage than Luca still. I find it unbelievable. Luca is the one.

“I’d love moments like he had last year. But I don’t have Luca’s power.”

But governing body the WST responded: “We include a wide range of players in our content, often focusing on the best up-andcoming talent.

“Last summer we invested significant resource in a special feature on Luca Brecel, shot on location in Belgium, including an interview inside his Ferrari.

“We have run many other pieces about Brecel throughout the season.”