Luca Brecel World Snooker Championship attire questioned as ref spots missing element to outfit

Luca Brecel caught the referee's attention upon his return to Crucible for his Snooker World Championship defence after ditching the traditional bow tie.

Brecel claimed his first world title in 2023, toppling Mark Selby in the championship finale. His defence commenced this Saturday as he faced Dave Gilbert in the last 32. And the defending champ turned up to the Sheffield venue sporting an open collar rather than the standard dickie bow associated with the green baize.

And that drew questions from the re. "Have you not got a bow tie? " Paul Collier, the referee, queried the absence, marking an observed detail in the BBC's coverage. The Belgian Champion's response, if any, did not reach the audience's ears immediately. Fans have been offering their own theories, some suggesting a medical exemption might free Brecel from the obligation of wearing a bow tie like his competitors. The world's number four isn't a stranger to expressing discontent with the throat-hugging accessory.

But he has previously made his feelings clear o the garment. "The bow tie is just horrible," Brecel admitted to Metro in 2023. "I lose about 20 per cent of my game when I play with a bow tie and I think there are other players have said it as well backstage," reports the Mirror.

"Maybe loosen up a bit with the dress code because some shots you feel tight because of the shirt or the trousers and everything. I understand it's an elite sport and it looks good on TV probably, but we need to work something out there."

He suggested rethinking the dress code, arguing certain shots could feel restricted due to the stiff collar or the trousers. "Other than the dress code, maybe a shot clock, that would be good I think," he suggested when discussing potential changes to the sport. "I would have it in any of the tournaments, maybe. Just try to make it more attractive, quicker."

Gilbert, Brecel's first-round opponent, had to battle through qualifying rounds, securing his spot with a win over David Lilley in the third qualifier and then triumphing against world number 34 Xiao Guodong. Gilbert, aged 42, shared his astonishment at the lack of spotlight on Brecel since his championship victory. "We have got a boy, who is the loveliest kid in the world, he has maximum flair," Gilbert praised.

"He spends all his money. Lives like a playboy. He plays the game how kids want to play. He should be the main focus of everything.'What Luca did last year was by far the greatest snooker thing I have ever seen. It was incredible. Well done. The next comp I saw him, maybe August, I don't know Luca, but I had to go up to him and tell him he was amazing."

Although Brecel didn't dominate the entire opening session, he managed to secure a lead by the end of it in the best-of-19 frames match. The victor will face either Robert Milkins or Pang Junxu, who are set to commence their clash on Monday.

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