World Snooker Championship winner lost millionaire status after blowing £500,000 payday

Zhao Xintong's over is a moment of glory, yet he might want to take heed from post-victory experiences. The Belgian sensation became an overnight millionaire with his championship win, but saw his wealth dwindle as quickly as it came.

In a stunning upset back in 2023, at the iconic Crucible Theatre, becoming the first continental European to claim the world championship crown. Despite showing promise for a repeat performance this year, his journey was cut short by Judd Trump in the quarter-finals. After his 2023 Crucible conquest, Brecel pocketed a cool £500,000. The 'Belgian Bullet' wasn't shy about enjoying the fruits of his success, indulging in a trio of luxury cars. His extravagant spending spree, totalling a reported £440,000, swiftly ended his brief stint as a millionaire.

On the eve of his World Snooker Championship defence last year, Brecel confessed: "I bought two more cars this week, so I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire."

Reports suggest he splurged over £250,000 on a sleek Ferrari 488, dropped £80,000 on a Range Rover, and gifted Laura Vanoverberghe, his girlfriend, a Porsche Taycan GT valued at approximately £111,000. The snooker ace also told : "I got a couple of cars with my winnings. I got a Ferrari and a couple of others. Just to enjoy myself. I don't really drive it that often. I'm not really home that much."

Brecel would have pocketed a cool £50,000 for his last-eight finish at the Crucible this year, a sum that pales in comparison to his 2023 earnings. The Belgian star was hell-bent on making waves at the tournament following two years of erratic performances.

Brecel turned heads when he jetted into the Crucible aboard a flamboyant private plane, even extending an invite to fans on social media to join him. His lavish lifestyle has drawn flak from snooker legends like Stephen Hendry in the past.

Before the event, Hendry didn't mince words, saying: "I honestly don't know what he's (Brecel) doing with his career. I haven't got a clue.

"I see him a lot on Instagram, he's riding his bike all over the place, he's going out to dinners with his girlfriend, he seems to be having a lovely time."

Despite his spending spree, Brecel insists his life is uncomplicated and more content. He added: "To be honest, I live quite a simple life, apart from the cars maybe.

"I just love being at home when I have the chance to be at home. Walk the dog, watch a bit of television, play a few games. A pretty basic life, to be honest. It may not look like that, but it is."