World snooker juniors: not the springboard it once was, but still a momentum-starter Premium

IBSF World under-21 and under-17 snooker championship lacks top talent from England and China, showcasing hidden gems.

The absence of players from England and China robbed the IBSF World under-21 (men and women) and under-17 (boys) snooker championship of sheen. England and China generally produce the best young talent — the two nations have combined to win 18 gold medals in the 34 editions of the under-21 men’s events held before this year.

When the field is at full strength, this tournament gives a sneak peek at the next big thing in snooker. The best example of a hidden gem using this event as a springboard is none other than Ronnie O’Sullivan, who triumphed at the 1991 edition in Bangalore, as it was known then. O’Sullivan, of course, would go on to establish himself as an all-time great.

Officials from the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) had the hard task of explaining the significance of this tournament, with the top guns not around. Young cueists from England and China prefer to focus on professional tournaments, the officials said. For those already in deep pursuit of the ultimate dream — competing on the professional circuit — there is no value in dominating this age-group competition.

And thus for this edition of the championship held at Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA) in Bengaluru, we were left with the “best of the rest”. This is not to say that talent was in short supply, but the action was not at the elite level.

Champions were crowned — Christian Richter (under-17 boys), Michal Szubarczyk (under-21 men) and Natasha Chethan (under-21 women). World champions they may be, undisputed best in the world they may not.

Regardless, it was a memorable week for home favourite Natasha. The Bengaluru teenager faced a big test in the final against Thailand’s Narucha Phoemphul. The pressure of the occasion got to the players, who were tentative with their shot-making.

It came down to the wire, with a poor safety from Natasha leaving the pink hanging near the top pocket in the deciding fifth frame. Narucha inexplicably fluffed a simple pot, allowing the Indian to finish the match.