
STEPHEN HENDRY is baffled by the noticeable decline in the performance of current world snooker champion, Luca Brecel.
The seven-time Crucible champion believes that Brecel has reduced his efforts and “can’t comprehend” the reasons behind this downturn.
At 55, Hendry is keeping an eye on the Belgian Bullet after the 29-year-old’s recent struggles have threatened his spot on next year’s professional tour.
Brecel celebrated his victory at the top championship in snooker 19 months ago by buying a Ferrari, a Range Rover, and a Porsche.
Within the next four months, he reveled in his accomplishments by visiting 14 countries and posting pictures from many stunning locales on social media.
However, Brecel has recently redirected his attention, achieving a spot in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Open in early December.
He acknowledges that the criticism regarding his performance seems “odd.”
He remarked, “I don’t see any issue. I truly believe the next decade will be my peak.”
Despite this, one of the sport’s legends remains skeptical.
On his self-titled Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips YouTube channel, Hendry expressed his concerns regarding Brecel to fellow player Dominic Dale.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The cueist turned commentator stated: “He has genuinely plummeted. Yet, he is still such a phenomenal player.”
“It’s remarkably frustrating for me to observe someone with such remarkable talent… still in his 20s, capable of winning numerous tournaments in the next 10-15 years, and making significant earnings… yet appears indifferent.”
Stephen Hendry makes bold assertions about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s retirement, alluding to issues with the seven-time world champion
“Everyone has their own life approach and methods, but ultimately, if you excel at something, why wouldn’t you pursue it?”
Brecel expressed earlier this month: “I believe I’m regaining my usual standard.”
“I’m undertaking all the correct actions, so it’s merely a matter of time before I start excelling in tournaments again. I don’t perceive any issues.”
However, Hendry seems not to be persuaded.
He remarked to Dale, “It’s an unusual predicament, isn’t it? He talks as if he wants to participate in Iron Man competitions, yet I’m thinking, you’re a snooker player, my friend.”
“I just can’t wrap my head around it, but if he’s happy, then that’s wonderful.”
“Still, I feel he possesses immense talent; why not dedicate the next decade to your profession… Talent to burn.”
Detailed List of All-Time Snooker World Champions

BELOW is a comprehensive list of snooker World Champions by year.
This record applies to the modern age, which is usually considered to have commenced with the 1968-69 season when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.
The inaugural World Championships were held in 1927 but were interrupted from 1941-45 due to World War II and again from 1958-63 because of an internal dispute within the sport.
During that era, Joe Davis (15 titles), Fred Davis, and John Pulman (each with 8 titles) were the top players.
Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, each with seven.
- 1969 – John Spencer
- 1970 – Ray Reardon
- 1971 – John Spencer
- 1972 – Alex Higgins
- 1973 – Ray Reardon (2)
- 1974 – Ray Reardon (3)
- 1975 – Ray Reardon (4)
- 1976 – Ray Reardon (5)
- 1977 – John Spencer (2)
- 1978 – Ray Reardon (6)
- 1979 – Terry Griffiths
- 1980 – Cliff Thorburn
- 1981 – Steve Davis
- 1982 – Alex Higgins (2)
- 1983 – Steve Davis (2)
- 1984 – Steve Davis (3)
- 1985 – Dennis Taylor
- 1986 – Joe Johnson
- 1987 – Steve Davis (4)
- 1988 – Steve Davis (5)
- 1989 – Steve Davis (6)
- 1990 – Stephen Hendry
- 1991 – John Parrott
- 1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)
- 1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)
- 1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)
- 1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)
- 1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)
- 1997 – Ken Doherty
- 1998 – John Higgins
- 1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)
- 2000 – Mark Williams
- 2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan
- 2002 – Peter Ebdon
- 2003 – Mark Williams (2)
- 2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)
- 2005 – Shaun Murphy
- 2006 – Graeme Dott
- 2007 – John Higgins (2)
- 2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)
- 2009 – John Higgins (3)
- 2010 – Neil Robertson
- 2011 – John Higgins (4)
- 2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)
- 2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)
- 2014 – Mark Selby
- 2015 – Stuart Bingham
- 2016 – Mark Selby (2)
- 2017 – Mark Selby (3)
- 2018 – Mark Williams (3)
- 2019 – Judd Trump
- 2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)
- 2021 – Mark Selby (4)
- 2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)
- 2023 – Luca Brecel
- 2024 – Kyren Wilson
Most World Titles (modern era)
- 7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan
- 6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis
- 4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby
- 3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams
- 2 – Alex Higgins