Belgium’s rising star shines at Snooker World Cup in Wuxi

Snooker’s rising star Luca Brecel put in one of the best performances of the 2017 Snooker World Cup so far on July 4, when he helped his Belgium team beat fifth seeds Hong Kong 4-1.

The 22-year-old won both of his singles frames against Au Chi-wai and the veteran world number five Marco Fu, as well as helping his teammate Jeff Jacobs win the doubles frame. Jacobs also beat Fu for good measure to confirm a convincing win.

Brecel has been seen as a future champion ever since 2012, when he became the youngest ever player to appear at the World Snooker Championship at the tender age of 17.

Currently ranked number 27 in the world, the young Belgian has shown his intention to push his ranking higher this season with his performances so far in Wuxi, Jiangsu province.

The highlight was the fourth frame, when Brecel made a break of 121, one of the highest of the tournament so far.

Belgium is now leading Group B, ahead of Ding Junhui’s China A on frame difference.

Brecel and Jacobs’ next opponents will be Germany on Wednesday.

Luca Brecel (right) answers questions after helping the Belgium team beat Hong Kong 4-1 in the second round of matches at the 2017 Snooker World Cup in Wuxi, Jiangsu province on July 4.[Photo by Liu Sitong/China Daily]