The reigning World Snooker Champion Luca Brecel said on Friday that he is hoping to secure the world number one spot in the upcoming season, hot on the heels after winning the World Championship in April.

That win put Brecel – also known as the Belgian Bullet – in the world number two spot behind Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Brecel, who is holding a meet and greet in Hong Kong, told RTHK he wants to thank local fans for their continuous support prior to the start of the new season.

He expressed hopes that the new generation of snooker players in the territory will continue to grow the sport.

"Practice hard! Try to enjoy the game and don't be distracted too much by other things. If you want to be good, just focus on the game,” he said.

In gear for his first season opening at the European Masters next month in Germany, he said the tournament will be good practice.

"I'm really looking forward to it. As the World Champion, this is a little practice for the tournament. I am just hoping I can play well at the start of the season and hopefully I can win one or two tournaments this year," he said.

"It's going to be difficult, but that's my goal.”