Luca Brecel wins his first world snooker title by holding off a late comeback from Mark Selby.

Even though it took him nine years longer than he had anticipated, Luca Brecel’s childhood prophecy has now come true. The highly-regarded 17-year-old Belgian player became the youngest player in the tournament’s history before he had even entered the Crucible Theatre. He had previously prophesied that he would win the world championship by the time he was 19 years old.

It is evident that things did not turn out as expected. As recently as three weeks ago, Brecel had not even prevailed in a match held here, having lost all five of his prior encounters at the Crucible. But now mainland Europe has produced its first world champion in the sport of snooker, and the young man who took up the cue as a bright nine-year-old has fulfilled his promise.

It is evident that things did not turn out as expected. As recently as three weeks ago, Brecel had not even prevailed in a match held here, having lost all five of his prior encounters at the Crucible. But now mainland Europe has produced its first world champion in the sport of snooker, and the young man who took up the cue as a bright nine-year-old has fulfilled his promise.