BIG BREC

Belgian brings the fireworks as Rocket Ronnie fizzles out

- HECTOR NUNNS

RONNIE O’SULLIVAN was blown away at the Crucible to see his hopes of a record eighth title dashed by Luca Brecel. 

The Belgian ace had never won a match at the World Championship in five previous visits but reeled off seven frames in a row to reach the semi-finals with a 13-10 victory.

‘The Rocket’ was celebrating the milestone of a record 100th appearance at the Sheffield theatre but world No.10 Brecel rained all over his parade with a stunning comeback win.

Brecel had prepared for this success in novel fashion, indulging an all-day drinking bender back home.

He had already claimed after his first-round win against Ricky Walden that his build-up had been “the worst”, with only 15 minutes practise.