Chandigarh cueist Ranveer Duggal advances in IBSF World Snooker Championship

Former Junior National Snooker Champion Ranveer Duggal, a talent often associated with the sporting spirit of Chandigarh, has kicked off his campaign at the IBSF World Snooker Championship 2026 with a notable victory. Competing at the Yeshwant Club in Indore, the Indian cueist demonstrated significant skill and composure to overcome Oman’s Sami Alham Rashdi in a challenging opening round encounter.

Ranveer Duggal secured a 4-2 victory to advance in the IBSF World Snooker Championship 2026.

A commanding start

The match saw Duggal display an impressive range of technical abilities. By leveraging his attacking flair and maintaining impeccable potting accuracy, the young player quickly established a commanding 3-1 lead in the contest. His confident all-round gameplay appeared to put him in a strong position to close out the match early against his Omani opponent.

However, the match intensified as the challenger from Oman refused to concede. Rashdi managed to secure the fifth frame, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and creating a tense atmosphere as the prospect of a deciding frame became a real possibility. Under the pressure of the moment, Duggal maintained his focus and composure. He successfully navigated the sixth frame, ultimately sealing a 4-2 triumph to move forward in the tournament.

Next steps in the tournament

Following this successful start, the Indian cueist is now preparing for his next fixture. Duggal is set to face Firas Kamil Shaba in what is expected to be a pivotal match. A victory in that encounter would grant him a coveted spot in Stage 2 of the championship, providing him with the opportunity to test his skills against the world’s top-ranked players.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for the young athlete as he seeks to transition from his junior successes to the global stage. By advancing in the IBSF World Snooker Championship, Duggal gains valuable experience against international competition, which is essential for his professional development. For followers of the sport in India, his performance represents the potential of domestic talent to compete effectively against international challengers in major world-class events.