Chennai-based cueist Anupama Ramachandran created history in India by becoming the first woman from the country to win the IBSF World Snooker (15-red) Championship. The 23-year-old defeated Hong Kong’s seasoned star Ng On Yee 3-2 in a nail-biting and dramatic final to seal one of the biggest milestones in Indian cue sports.
This victory comes at a time when Indian women are steadily rising across global sporting platforms, adding another significant chapter to India’s expanding presence in billiards and snooker.
How did Anupama pull off the comeback against Ng On Yee?
The final was a test of temperament and skill. Anupama lost the opening frame 51–74 but refused to let the shaky start dictate the contest. In the second frame, she showed precision and control as she won 65–41 to restore momentum.
The third frame, however, went heavily in On Yee’s favour, once again pushing Anupama under pressure. Trailing 1–2 in a best-of-five clash, the Indian cueist came up with a gritty 29-point break in the fourth frame to level the match.
The decider brought out the toughest version of Anupama, as she fought her way past three self-snookers amidst a tense layout after potting a long red early on.
Even when she played a poor safety and gave On Yee an opportunity to close the match, destiny swung again: On Yee missed the final black at 60–61. Anupama steadied herself, potted the tricky black cleanly, and claimed the world title.
Why is this win so important for Anupama?
The victory of Anupama marked a historic moment for India. No Indian woman had ever won this world snooker crown before, making her breakthrough a defining moment for the sport in the country.
It also underlines the increasing depth in India’s cue sports. Incidentally, women players who were hardly visible have now taken centre stage at the continental and global levels.
Anupama’s rise-from winning the Asian Snooker Championship to now lifting a world title-showcases consistency, growth, and elite-level composure.
Anupama’s win means much more than a trophy. It gives young Indian girls another route to dream big for international cue sports.
What Does Anupama’s Victory Mean for Indian Snooker?
This victory has raised the bar for India among the snooker-playing nations of the world. It is proof that Indian players are not just competitive but able to dominate high-pressure matches against long-established international champions.
Anupama’s triumph is also likely to trigger more interest, support, and investment in women’s cue sports within the country. With India already having a strong heritage in billiards, this only cements its footprint in world snooker.
