Luca Brecel shows off body transformation as world champion returns to Crucible looking to make history

LUCA BRECEL has unveiled a new slimmer physique ahead of the World Championships at the Crucible.

GettyLuca Brecel was looking noticeably thinner today at the Crucible[/caption]

GettyHe admitted that he had stopped training in the aftermath of winning last year’s World Championships, leading to him gaining weight[/caption]

The Belgian admitted in the run up to the tournament that he had stopped exercising this season and that it had harmed his performances.

Reflecting on last year’s Sheffield crown, he said he had basked in the afterglow of victory a little too much and that had led to him gaining weight.

Ahead of last month’s World Open in China he said: “In the last few months, I’ve started practising again. That’s why I’m playing a bit better.

“I’ve been working on my fitness as well. That has helped me a lot. A different approach this year.

“I lost about a stone, so 6-7 kilograms, in a month. I’m going to keep going now.

“Try to lose a bit more. Maybe 10 more kilograms.

“It’s all about less eating. Counting my calories. A bit of exercise here and there.

“It has really helped me. I used to be into my fitness. A couple of years ago, I was running long-distances. I’m trying to get back to that.

“I love running but when you have too much weight, you aren’t able to run.

“I remember when I lost a game in the past, I used to go home and it was time to run. I have needed that in my life again.

“I needed to work a bit on my fitness. I have lost some weight. I feel much better.

“I think it was the change I needed to play well again and I feel like now, the sky’s the limit.

“I’m really close to that level I was at last year. Many players will think they have a chance to win in Sheffield.

“It’s great to have my confidence back and play with fun again. Yeah, I feel really good.”

And it now looks as though his training and cleaning has paid off based on the slimmer physique he’s showed off at the Crucible.