Kyren Wilson hints at reason for Luca Brecel struggles since Crucible success - 'Can't get my head around it'

It is fair to say Luca Brecel has failed to hit the heights expected of him since winning the World Snooker Championship in 2023. Speaking to Eurosport after his thrilling Masters quarter-final victory over Brecel, Kyren Wilson hit out at a crucial part of the Belgian's game. "I just don't understand it," said the current world champion as he offered a key piece of advice to his colleague.

'I don't understand it' - Wilson 'can't get head around' Brecel's chalk choice

Video credit: TNT Sports

Kyren Wilson says he "can't get his head around" Luca Brecel's choice of chalk after beating the Belgian in a memorable Masters quarter-final on Friday.

Wilson emerged a 6-4 victor over the Belgian in what was a memorable battle between the previous two world champions at Alexandra Palace.

The first eight frames were a demonstration of high-class snooker played at a frantic pace, but the final two were much more tense in comparison.

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Ultimately, 'The Warrior' came out on top to set up a mouth-watering semi-final with Judd Trump on Saturday.

Despite getting over the line as he continued his bid for a first Masters title, Wilson was annoyed by Brecel's chalk choice.

In his post-match interview in the Eurosport studio, Wilson said: "I'm trying to deal with Luca’s chalk. You know, that's the main thing for me tonight, and I'm so proud of myself that I didn't let it affect me. I let it bother me in Saudi.

‘Is that a kick of some description?’ – Brecel left baffled after missing black

Video credit: TNT Sports

"When you're twisting a ball with side spin with the old chalk, there's every possibility you're going to get a kick, every possibility and I'm thinking that on the shot and that's what it does to you.

"There’s so much chalk dust in all of the cushions, all over the balls. There’s chalk trails all over the cloth. I had the white cleaned God knows how many times tonight because I didn't want it to affect me.

"I just don't understand it. I understand it from Ronnie [O'Sullivan]'s point of view because it's what he's grown up with, he's played with it forever."

Although he is beginning to show glimpses of the form that led him to his first world title in 2023, Brecel has ultimately failed to reach the heights expected of him since his Crucible success.

"Luca won the World Championship with the Pyro. Why not stick with what you won the World Championship with? I don’t understand it," Wilson continued.

"If I was being a friend - because I love Luca, he's a great lad - I'd advise him to go back to how he won the World Championships.

"He had a couple of kicks that cost him a couple of frames, so I just can’t get my head around it."

Wilson nails long pink to finally see off Brecel in incredible Masters quarter-final

Video credit: TNT Sports

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Thoughts?