Ahsan reaches U-21 snooker semi-final in Bahrain

Manama, July 24 — Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan has advanced to the semi-finals of the IBSF Under-21 World Snooker Championship in Bahrain, keeping the country's hopes alive after the national team exited the 6-Red competition on Wednesday.

Ahsan, just 19 years old and already a 2022 world amateur champion, displayed remarkable consistency and precision in his matches at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Flawless Wins by Ahsan

In the quarter-finals, Ahsan crushed India’s Mayur Garg 4-0 with frame scores of 103(58)-42(32), 82(35)-0, 56-39, and 74(48)-23. He dominated the table throughout, never allowing his opponent a chance to recover.

Earlier that day, he defeated fellow Pakistani and U-17 world champion Mohammad Hasnain Akhtar 4-1 in the round of 16, with a near-perfect 99 break in the second frame. The win came with frame scores of 70-54, 107(99)-0, 0-72(60), 106(69)-32, and 64(37)-6.

“I stayed focused and wanted to represent Pakistan with pride,” Ahsan said after the match.

He is now Pakistan’s only remaining contender in the tournament.

Pakistan’s 6-Red Hopes Fade

Meanwhile, the 6-Red competition ended for Pakistan as all players were knocked out during the knockout rounds.

Veteran Asif, the current Masters champion, was the first to exit. He lost 4-3 to Iraq’s Firas Kamil Shaba despite leading 3-1. The match saw close frame margins, including a 48-point break by Shaba.

Shahid Aftab, Pakistan’s national champion, started strong by beating Hong Kong’s Chau Hon Man 4-2 but was also eliminated in the round of 16 after another tense 4-3 loss to Shaba.

Ahsan also competed in the 6-Red format. He beat Scotland’s Ayaan Iqbal 4-3 in a nerve-wracking match but lost to India’s seasoned player Aditya Mehta 4-3 in the last 16, with Mehta closing the game with a commanding 71-point clearance.

Despite the 6-Red exits, Ahsan’s U-21 run keeps Pakistan’s snooker medal dreams alive.

“Ahsan’s performance is a big positive. He’s matured a lot in high-pressure games,” said coach and former player Naveed Kapadia.

What’s Next?

Ahsan will play his semi-final match on Thursday, with high hopes from fans and the national snooker federation.

Quick Reference Box

| Event | IBSF Under-21 & 6-Red Snooker Championship |
| Location | Manama, Bahrain |
| Ahsan Ramzan (U-21) | Reached Semi-Finals |
| Defeated in Quarter-Finals | Mayur Garg (India) |
| Defeated in Round of 16 | Mohammad Hasnain Akhtar (Pakistan) |
| 6-Red Campaign | Ended in Knockouts |
| Other Pakistani Players | Asif, Shahid Aftab, Ahsan (6-Red) |
| Next U-21 Match | Semi-final on Thursday |