Natasha Chethan Secures First World Title in Dramatic Snooker Finale
Natasha Chethan displayed remarkable composure to secure victory against Thailand’s Narucha Phoemphul in the final of the IBSF World Under-21 Women’s Snooker Championship, held at the Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA) in Bengaluru. The match was a tense and tactical battle, characterized by long spells of safety play, as both players struggled to assert their usual attacking prowess on the big stage.
From the outset, it was clear that this would be a closely fought contest. Narucha started strong, crafting a tidy 31-break to take the first frame. Her early success seemed to put Natasha on the back foot, but the Bengaluru teenager gradually found her rhythm. The following frames saw Natasha dig deep, relying on her defensive skills to level the match and then edge ahead.
As the match progressed, it became a war of attrition. The players exchanged frames, each battling to gain the upper hand in a game that was as much about mental fortitude as technical skill. The decisive fifth frame encapsulated the entire match’s drama. Natasha took a narrow lead by potting the brown and blue, but her attempt at a double on the pink fell short, giving Narucha an unexpected lifeline.
In a heartbreaking twist for the Thai player, Narucha missed a straightforward pot on the pink, crumpling to the floor in despair. Natasha seized the opportunity to close out the match, her nerves of steel proving decisive in the final moments. Reflecting on her victory, Natasha remarked, “I prayed to all the Gods, and my prayers were answered.”
This triumph marked Natasha’s first world title, a hard-earned victory in a match that stretched for an intense three hours and 40 minutes. Despite the scrappy nature of the encounter, the win underscored Natasha’s resilience and determination, earning her a place among the sport’s rising stars.