STEPHEN HENDRY is confused about why the reigning world snooker champion, Luca Brecel, seems to have seen his performance “drop dramatically.”

The seven-time Crucible champion believes that Brecel has lessened his efforts and “cannot comprehend” the reasoning behind this downturn.

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Hendry, now 55, is setting his sights on the Belgian Bullet after the 29-year-old’s recent struggles have put his spot on next year’s professional tour at risk.

Brecel celebrated his victory in the sport’s premier event 19 months ago by buying a Ferrari, a Range Rover, and a Porsche.

In the following four months, he relished his success by exploring 14 countries and posting pictures from various stunning locations on social media.

However, Brecel has recently changed his focus, notably advancing to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Open in early December.

He acknowledges that the feedback regarding his situation feels “strange.”

He expressed, “I don’t see any issues. I think the upcoming decade will be my peak.”

Nonetheless, a legend of the sport still harbors doubts.

In his self-titled Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips YouTube channel, the Scot voiced his concerns about Brecel to fellow player Dominic Dale.

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The former player turned TV analyst remarked: “He has truly taken a nosedive. Nonetheless, he is such an exceptional player.”

“It’s incredibly frustrating for me to see him as a person with exceptional talent… still in his 20s, capable of winning numerous tournaments over the next 10-15 years, amassing significant sums… yet appearing indifferent.”

Stephen Hendry makes bold statements about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s retirement, suggesting something is amiss with the seven-time world champion

“Everyone has their own lifestyle and methods, but fundamentally, if you excel at something, why wouldn’t you pursue it?”

Brecel stated earlier this month: “I feel like I’m returning to my usual level.”

“I’m engaging in all the right activities, so it’s just a matter of time before my tournament performances improve. I don’t perceive any difficulties.”

However, Hendry appears skeptical.

He expressed to Dale, “It’s a peculiar situation, isn’t it? He talks as if he intends to compete in Iron Man events, yet I’m thinking, you’re a snooker player, my friend.”

“I simply don’t understand it, but if he’s happy, then that’s wonderful.”

“Still, I believe he possesses immense talent; why wouldn’t you dedicate the next decade to your career… such talent to burn.”

Comprehensive List of All-Time Snooker World Champions

BELOW is a comprehensive list of World Champions in snooker, organized by year.

This record relates to the modern era, which is generally considered to begin with the 1968-69 season when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took charge of the sport.

The inaugural World Championships occurred in 1927 but were interrupted from 1941-45 due to World War II and from 1958-63 due to a dispute within the sport.

In that period, Joe Davis (15 titles), Fred Davis, and John Pulman (each with 8 titles) were the most successful players.

Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan hold the record for the most titles in the modern era, each having won 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