Brecel can inspire a new generation

NEWLY-CROWNED world champion Luca Brecel has been backed to spearhead a new golden generation of snooker superstars so talented they could even go on to rival the exploits of the fabled 'Class of '92'.

- MARK STANIFORTH

That is the opinion of WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson, who watched the Belgian hold true to his swashbuckling style to sink Mark Selby 18-15 and become the first player from continental Europe to claim the Crucible title.

Coupled with the high-octane potting approach of vanquished semi-finalist Si Jiahui, Ferguson believes this year's tournament offered an ideal blueprint for future players to emulate Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams, who have dominated well into their 40s.

"I often hear about the 'Class of 92' and people constantly saying you'll never replace them, but I can tell you the class that is coming through now is really going to push on the sport," Ferguson said.