World Snooker Championship 2025: Luca Brecel's wild preparation paves way for stunning start against Ding Junhui

React to this story

Luca Brecel only arrived at The Crucible around half an hour before his World Championship clash with Ding Junhui began, having flown in by private jet from Belgium. But it did not prevent him producing a glorious performance against the Chinese superstar, going 7-1 ahead in their second-round meeting in Sheffield. The match will continue on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+

'Does not get any better' - McManus and White 'blown away' by Brecel performance

Video credit: TNT Sports

Luca Brecel is not typically one for playing by conventional rules, and the former world champion was at it again on Saturday, with some unusual preparation before he produced a spellbinding session of snooker against Ding Junhui.

Brecel said on Instagram that he would be in Belgium until Saturday afternoon, leaving on a private jet at around 15:00 local time, despite his match against Ding being scheduled to start at just after 19:00 UK time. Indeed, when he posted on Instagram on Friday, he seemed to suggest others could join him on the flight.

"I've got a private flight booked to Sheffield tomorrow at 15:00, anyone from Belgium who wants to join? DM me."

Shanghai Masters

Shanghai Masters 2026: Scores, schedule, results as Trump defeats Wilson in final

02/08/2026 at 16:05

The 30-year-old made it to Sheffield, but he only arrived at The Crucible at 18:40 UK time. It certainly did not affect his performance on the table however, as Brecel was magnificent in building up a 7-1 lead over his Chinese opponent.

Former world No. 1 Ding actually won the first frame with a brilliant break of 141, but from there it was all Brecel.

He fired in breaks of 121, 78, 55, 100, 88 and 88, leaving The Crucible crowd in raptures as he gave himself a significant advantage in the second-round match.

TNT Sports pundit Alan McManus was wowed by what he saw, and said Brecel is now a genuine contender to win the tournament.

"It doesn't get any better. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a contender, a new one for this World Championship," McManus said.

"I don't think he's been on anyone's shortlist, but he's got to be now on the strength of that.

'He's creating so much energy' - Brecel pulls off three-ball plant against Ding

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Yes, that will be difficult to maintain, but if he maintains anything like it, he's going to take some stopping. That was incredible."

It was all very reminiscent of 2023, when Brecel admitted to staying up late and partying during the World Championship. Yet he stormed past Ronnie O'Sullivan, Si Jiahui and Mark Selby for a famous Sheffield triumph.

In truth, the two years since have been nothing to write home about for Brecel, but he has always had the game to beat any of his rivals and his odds are unsurprisingly tumbling given his stunning burst of form.

Brecel was actually 5-1 down in his first-round match against Ryan Day, but recovered to win 10-7 and now looks to have gone up a gear.

All eyes will be on the resumption of the match between Brecel and Ding on Sunday afternoon, as coverage of the famous tournament continues on TNT Sports and discovery+.

If a third session is needed in the match, that will be played on Monday night.

Watch and stream top snooker action, including the World Championship, live and on demand on TNT Sports and discovery+

Halo World Championship