October 22nd 2024.
When it comes to snooker, Luca Brecel has always done things his own way. And at the Northern Ireland Open, it was no different. The 2023 world champion kicked off his campaign on Sunday with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over He Guoqiang in Belfast. But it wasn't just his performance on the table that caught people's attention - it was his rather unorthodox preparation leading up to the match.
You see, Luca had been in Mallorca, soaking up the sun and enjoying some peaceful bike rides. And while it may sound like the perfect holiday, former Masters champion Alan McManus questioned whether it was the best way to prepare for a ranking event. But Luca sees things differently. To him, it's just another game, another opportunity to play the sport he loves. Whether it's in a tournament or a casual practice session, it's all the same to him.
But not everyone shares his mindset. McManus suggested that Luca's laid-back approach may not show the same level of commitment as other players. And when asked if he thought that was a fair assessment, the Belgian Bullet didn't shy away from the truth. He admitted that his priorities in life may be different from other players, but that's just the way he likes it.
For Luca, snooker is not just about ranking points or prize money. It's about the love of the game and the joy of playing. And that's why he doesn't let external factors dictate his attitude towards it. Whether he's playing in a prestigious event or just a casual match, he gives it his all and enjoys every moment of it.
But it's not just his unconventional mindset that sets him apart. In fact, Luca revealed that he had not touched a snooker table in over a month leading up to the Northern Ireland Open. Instead, he had been focusing on his other passion - training for an Ironman race. That's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and 26.2-mile run, all in one day. And for Luca, that is his ultimate goal - even more important than winning the World Championship.
His dedication to this goal is evident in his daily routine. He spends hours on his bike and has lost over 11 kilos in weight. And while some may argue that this lifestyle may have hindered his success in snooker, Luca couldn't be happier. To him, it's not about winning more titles, but about living a life that brings him joy and fulfillment.
So after his win on Sunday, Luca hopped on a plane back to Mallorca to continue his training, before flying back to Belfast for his next match. And he wouldn't have it any other way. For him, this is the perfect balance, the perfect way to enjoy both snooker and his other passions in life. And while others may not understand his choices, to Luca, it's all worth it. He is determined to achieve his goal and become the first Ironman snooker player. And that drive and determination is what makes him a formidable opponent on the table.
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