Luca Brecel falls to Crucible curse after stunning comeback from David Gilbert

The Belgian became the 19th first-time champion to fail to defend his title at the famous venue.

Sun, 21 Apr, 2024 - 10:16

Mark Staniforth, PA

Luca Brecel fell victim to the so-called ‘Crucible curse’ as qualifier David Gilbert reeled off the final four frames to claim a stunning 10-9 win over the defending champion on the opening day of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

The Belgian became the 19th first-time champion to fail to defend his title at the famous venue as Gilbert, a semi-finalist in 2019, surged back level with three successive half-centuries then dispatched a nerveless 65 which proved enough to secure a famous win.