At the World Snooker Championship, Mark Selby recorded the first-ever maximum break of 147 in a Crucible match, but Luca Brecel defeated him.
The British player was defeated 18–15 in the end, while his Belgian opponent put on an incredible show to go down in history.
Both sides showed mutual respect after the game as Selby praised Brecel’s performance and noted that, despite his disappointment in losing, other priorities were at play given his and his wife Vikki’s recent struggles.
It was pleasant to return twelve months ago and simply play and try to enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed the last two weeks, from where I was to where I am now, he said to BBC Sport.
“Though it didn’t end the way I had hoped, I obviously realized that my health came first with everything going on off the table, not just with Vikki but with me as well. It’s a game, so while winning is desirable, it’s not the end of the world if you lose.
Even though he was feeling emotional at the end of the match, the winner Brecel also had a message of encouragement for his rival, asking the two to.
“It’s so incredible, I can barely see through the tears.” The worst opponent to have in a final is Mark because he is so tough, the Belgian stated.
Snooker is a challenging game. I only defeated Ricky Walden 10-9, so I could have lost five of my first-round matches this year. I’m excited to see what this means for snooker in Belgium, Europe, and beyond.
“You become so strong because you have the best friends, family, girlfriend, and team in the world. And to Mark and Vikki, I simply say, “Stay strong.”
