It has been one of the best finals in years, the players differing styles have made a compelling match.
Luca got it done - well done that Belgian
Luca Brecel stayed true to his principles in the severest test in snooker and won the day. Testament to his self belief, technique and considerable ability. There were any number of opportunities for him to completely fold, go into his shell and invite Selby to exert a stranglehold.
But much to my surprise and joy Brecel managed to stave it off and pull through in the end. The key was not to let Selby get into a lead of any kind.
The fact Brecel managed that with such authority and clarity against the hardest match player in history is utterly remarkable.
It has shown the other players that Selby is beatable over four sessions in front of a crowd at the home of snooker.
It takes a lot of courage and no shortage of ability not to get sucked into too many protracted struggles and try and impose one's own will on the match. I am genuinely shocked this has happened but delighted.
It is fantastic for European snooker but even better for the game as a whole.
Luca Brecel will serve as an inspiration to not just the wider snooker viewing public but hopefully to his fellow professionals that the toughest match player in snooker i.e Mark Selby is not indestructible.
Every credit to him.
Congratulations.
I wish Mark Selby and particularly his wife Vicky all the best in difficult times.
From what I understand the news Luca was referring to in his post match interview concerns Vicky's health. So I absolutely and wholeheartedly send all my love to Vicky and Mark.
Mark has been through struggles of his own too in recent times with a mental health battle. I can claim some experience of that myself and applaud him for his courage.
Stay strong indeed.
![[Image: belgium-flag-2.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/ncbB0bpv/belgium-flag-2.png)
Belgium has a new WORLD CHAMPION
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Well done Luca Brecel.
World snooker champion 2023
(01-05-2023 22:40 )Snooks Wrote: [ -> ]Belgium has a new WORLD CHAMPION .
Belgium has a new FAMOUS BELGIAN
When I was thinking about "overseas" champs, I'd forgotten Neil Robertson.
For once, the Crucible did stir stuff up. For Brecel, Si, Jak Jones and even McGill, the rewards of points and rankings will be something to build on (and Brecel obviously 12 months of superior draws *fnar*).
It turned out to be the most open field in years. Many big names/pre-tournament faves went out in Rds 1 & 2, and those should look at Brecel's win and kick themselves for it could have been them.
A bit like Graeme Dott, a victory I'd never have expected, but one I'm glad to have happened.
Forgot Cliff Thorburn
have to say one of the best world championships in the past couple of years