European Masters: Luca Brecel fails to replace Ronnie O'Sullivan as world No. 1, but 'glad' about snooker cue discovery

ByEurosport

Updated 26/08/2023 at 09:40 GMT

Luca Brecel lost 5-4 to Barry Hawkins in the last 16 of the European Masters on Friday to see his hopes dashed of becoming the sport's word No. 1 for the first time, but his dejection was eased by the news that his Crucible-winning snooker cue has been found after going miss in transit during the close season. "With this cue, it is no fun," said the world champion after his defeat in Nuremberg.

World champion Luca Brecel admits he is happy his old snooker cue has been found after the disappointment of missing out on becoming the sport's new No. 1.

The world champion needed to reach the semi-finals at the European Masters in Nuremberg to take over at the top from snooker GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan in the rankings, but lost 5-4 to Barry Hawkins in the last 16 on Friday.

Brecel's disappointment was eased by the news that his Crucible-conquering cue – deployed to devastating effect during his 18-15 final win over Mark Selby in May – has been found after going missing in transit during the close season from a flight between the US and Frankfurt.

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“Missing world number one and the chance to get a trophy was quite disappointing. I think it would have been quite gettable. It wasn’t to be,” said Brecel, who is only 5,000 points behind O'Sullivan at the top of the latest provisional rankings.

“It was surprising that after ten days I have got my cue back. It is going to be delivered to my home. That is good news.

"With this cue it is no fun, it would have been a horrible season for me, so I’m glad I’ve got the old one back.”

'Superb break' - Brecel makes century to extend lead against Ishpreet

Brecel's next major tournament is the invitational Shanghai Masters which runs between Monday 11 September to Sunday 17 September.

He will face Mark Williams or Pang Junxu in the last 16 of the elite 24-player event.

Meanwhile, Hawkins will face close friend Selby in the second European Masters semi-final on Saturday night (7pm BST) with John Higgins and Judd Trump contesting a blockbuster opening semi-final in the afternoon (1pm) at the Kia Metropol Arena.

Both best-of-11 frame matches are live on Eurosport and Discovery+.

• Higgins to face Trump in blockbuster European Masters semi-final, Selby takes on Hawkins
• ‘It was my favourite cue' – Can Brecel recover from his holiday nightmare at the European Masters?
• 'I have a responsibility to snooker' – World champion Brecel makes vow to fans

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Stream the European Masters and other top snooker action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

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