Indian snooker veteran Kamal Chawla etched his name in history by capturing his maiden IBSF World 6-Red title. In a display of remarkable skill and resilience, Chawla triumphed over Pakistan’s Asjad Iqbal in the final, securing a commanding 6-2 victory. This championship marks a significant milestone for the 45-year-old, who had previously finished as the runner-up in the 2017 edition of the tournament.
The final was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Iqbal initially taking the lead by winning the first two frames. However, Chawla demonstrated remarkable composure and rallied back with an exceptional performance. He won the next six frames consecutively, showcasing his superior skill and strategic play. This comeback victory solidified his position as the new IBSF World 6-Red champion.
Chawla’s journey to the final was marked by a series of impressive performances. In a thrilling semifinal match against Germany’s Richard Wienold, he emerged victorious in the decider, sinking the black ball to secure his spot in the final. The intensity of the match was palpable, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the final shot was pocketed.
India’s dominance extended beyond Chawla’s victory, with the country securing three additional bronze medals. Malkeet Singh earned his bronze in the men’s category after a close semifinal loss to Iqbal. In the women’s competition, Vidya Pillai and Keerthana Pandian both secured bronze medals. Vidya, the reigning champion, faced a tough defeat against Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee in her semifinal match, while Pandian fell short against Hong Kong’s Fong Mei Mei.
This impressive performance by the Indian contingent at the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship highlights the growing strength of Indian snooker. With Chawla’s historic win and the other bronze medalists’ valiant efforts, India has undoubtedly left its mark on the global snooker stage.
