Luca Brecel paid a tearful tribute to Mark Selby after his World Snooker Championships final victory.
The be;gian became the first player from mainland Europe to claim the crown in a dramatic encounter in Sheffield, surviving a spirited comeback from Selby to secure the 18-15 win in a Crucible classic. Four-time champ Selby was quick to congratulate his opponent as he opened up on what has been a tough time for him ad his wife away from the table.
After battling depression, Selby admitted that snooker had become irrelevant at times. He made a 147 break, which was something he was keen to tick off his bucket list, but was keen to keep the focus on Brecel and his triumph. He said: “It was great to make a 147 at the Crucible, something I wanted to do and never thought I would do it in a final. But it’s not about me tonight, it’s about Luca.
“Every time he potted a ball I fancied him to clear up. If I had got it to 16-16, it might have been different. There have been things going on off the table with both me and my wife Vikki, and health is the most important.”
Brecel was equally respectful, admitting to the BBC: “It is amazing, I can hardly see for the tears. Mark is so tough – the worst opponent to have in a final.
“He just keeps coming back and at 16-15 I didn’t fancy my chances. But just getting to 17 made me feel I could do it again, and that I could clear up given a chance.
“Snooker is a tough sport. I had lost five first-round matches and that could have happened again this year, I only beat Ricky Walden 10-9. I can’t wait to see what this brings for snooker in Belgium, Europe and the rest of the world.
“I have the best team, best family, best girlfriend, best friends and it makes you so strong. And I would just like to say to Mark and Vikki – stay strong.”
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