In a historic moment for Pakistan, Ahsan Ramzan, the talented 17-year-old snooker player, emerged victorious in the U-21 Asian Snooker Championship. His remarkable performance in the final against Iran's Milad Pourali Darehchi resulted in a resounding 5-2 win, making Ramzan the first-ever Pakistani to clinch the coveted Asian U21 Snooker title.
A Dominant Display of Skill
Right from the beginning of the final, Ahsan Ramzan displayed exceptional skill and composure, swiftly securing a lead of 4-0 by triumphing in the first four frames with utmost confidence. Although his Iranian opponent made a valiant comeback in the 5th and 6th frames, Ramzan's resilience proved insurmountable. He ultimately outclassed his opponent in the 7th frame, cementing his victory and etching his name in the annals of snooker history.
The frame scores throughout the match were as follows:
- Frame 1: Ramzan 48 - Darehchi 46
- Frame 2: Ramzan 70 - Darehchi 5
- Frame 3: Ramzan 61 - Darehchi 6
- Frame 4: Ramzan 62 - Darehchi 29
- Frame 5: Ramzan 30 - Darehchi 71
- Frame 6: Ramzan 55 - Darehchi 67
- Frame 7: Ramzan 101 - Darehchi 27
Road to Triumph
Ahsan Ramzan's path to victory was paved with impressive victories and unwavering determination. In the semi-final, he faced another formidable Iranian cueist, Tirdad Azadipout, whom he defeated 4-2 in the Best of Seven format, securing his rightful place in the final.
Notably, Ramzan's journey to the ultimate triumph included a gripping quarter-final match against India's Digvijay Kadyan. Despite facing a three-two deficit, the young prodigy displayed tremendous resilience and skill, turning the tide of the match in his favor. The final scoreline of their encounter stood at 19-76, 36-76, 67-35, 63-31, 72-55, 27-65, and 9-70 in Ramzan's favor.
Even in the group stage matches, Ahsan Ramzan showcased his exceptional abilities, emerging as a dominant force. He faced Iran's Arshia Tehrani and Ali Lelegani in two gripping encounters, triumphing over both opponents.
In his first group match against Arshia Tehrani, Ramzan delivered a flawless performance, securing a commanding 3-0 victory in the Best of Five format. Tehrani was left humbled by Ramzan's remarkable prowess, as the Pakistani player exhibited exceptional dominance throughout all three sets.
The first frame concluded with a score of 55-21, while the second frame witnessed Ramzan's all-round brilliance, resulting in a convincing 93-15 win. The young talent comfortably sealed the victory by winning the third frame with his unwavering dominance on the snooker table.
A Historic Achievement
Ahsan Ramzan's triumph in the U-21 Asian Snooker Championship marks a significant milestone for Pakistani snooker. Prior to Ramzan, talented individuals like Farhan Mirza, Majid Ali, and Haris Tahir had reached the final stage of the championship on four separate occasions but were unable to secure the title. Ramzan's resolute determination and remarkable skill have broken the shackles of the past, propelling Pakistani snooker into a new era of excellence.
Ahsan Ramzan's journey to becoming the U-21 Asian Snooker Champion has captivated the hearts of snooker enthusiasts around the world. His historic victory showcases not only his exceptional skill but also the immense potential of Pakistani snooker players on the international stage.
Ramzan's triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring snooker players and further solidifies Pakistan's standing in the realm of cue sports. As the first Pakistani to clinch the Asian U21 Snooker title, Ahsan Ramzan has etched his name in history, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the nation.