Brecel confident for Crucible
Luca Brecel is confident he can handle the pressure that comes with making his World Championship debut.
Last Updated: 19/04/12 3:38pm
Luca Brecel is confident he can handle the pressure that comes with making his World Championship debut.
Just 43 days after his 17th birthday, the precocious Belgian will step out at the Crucible to face world number seven Stephen Maguire on Sunday.
Though he has never previously qualified for a major ranking event, Brecel beat Ian McCulloch, Barry Pinches, Michael Holt and Mark King to earn his place in Sheffield.
And he's in no doubt he won't freeze under the spotlight, saying: "The bigger the occasion, the better I seem to handle it."
Brecel's parents Carlo and Mirella were in attendance as he beat King last weekend and as they prepare to watch Sunday's game back in their homeland, their teenage son has paid them a glowing tribute.
He said: "They've put their life into my career. I give massive consideration to my parents for their help - all the time they've spent to bring me to the UK for qualifiers and all their financial investment as well."
Fascination
Interest in Belgium has soared, rising beyond a fascination with the teenager who was filmed making a nine-minute maximum break as a 12-year-old to belief the country has bred a future Crucible winner.
Brecel himself has no doubt, saying after his victory over King: "I believe I can be a future world champion."
His coach Chris Henry, who hails originally from Accrington, steered Peter Ebdon towards the 2002 world title and has in recent years been working closely with Stephen Hendry.
Hendry was quick to contact Henry on Sunday, keen to know if Brecel had broken his Crucible age record. In 1986, Hendry was 17 years and three months old when he made his debut, losing to Willie Thorne.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has even suggested in the past Brecel is a player who could threaten Hendry's record of seven world titles.
Being a fluent Flemish speaker is a benefit to Brugge-based Henry as he nurtures Brecel's talent.
Henry never doubted the youngster would fulfil his potential, having spotted the basis on which to develop a champion when they first met.
"I've been working with Luca on and off for six or seven years," Henry said.
"He loves the big crowds. His temperament for snooker is perfect."
