MANAMA: Pakistan’s snooker future blazed brilliantly on Friday as 16-year-old sensation Mohammad Hasnain Akhtar clinched the IBSF World Under-17 Snooker Championship title here at the Crowne Plaza hotel, defeating Wales’ Riley Powell with a commanding 4-0 (86-7, 73-35, 50-31, 98-4) scoreline.

The young maestro displayed maturity beyond his years throughout the final.

Capitalising on an opening in the first frame, Hasnain meticulously constructed a break of 34, built on three blues, one pink and a black.

He then showcased exceptional skill, converting a half-chance with precision after brilliant safety play, sealing the frame 86-7 with a decisive 44-break that included four blacks and two blues.

The second frame presented a stern test. Powell raced to a 14-point lead, and a foul by Hasnain at a crucial juncture during a safety attempt left the reds scattered, seemingly handing Powell control.

However, Powell’s missed long red proved pivotal. Hasnain pounced, masterfully crafting a 29-break to regain lead. His tactical acumen shone in the closing stages — a well-executed snooker for­ced an error from Powell — allowing Hasnain to clinch the frame 73-35 on the pink ball.

Frame three evolved into a tense, cautious battle. Hasnain, who won the Asian U-21 title last year, edged ahead by 28 points, only for Powell to claw back within nine.

Powell finally secured the crucial opening he craved, displaying solid potting. Yet, agonisingly for the Welshman, a missed pink ball left it hanging on the jaw. With a 13-point lead and only the pink required, Hasnain moved within one frame of glory.

Powell’s hopes dwindled further when he potted a red only to see the cue ball disappear into a pocket.

Hasnain then delivered the coup de grace in the fourth frame. Unleashing his full potential, he compiled a magnificent break of 67 points, featuring six blacks alongside a pink, blue and brown apiece. Powell attempted a response, but Hasnain extinguished any lingering resistance with a further 22 points, sealing the frame 98-4 and the championship.

The crowd applauded the young champion, who was wearing a beaming smile, graciously shook his opponent’s hand.

Hasnain only dropped one frame throughout the tournament and the rising star also made a strong start in the Under-21 tournament which also started earlier on Friday.

Hasnain downed Hong Kong’s Ka Long Pang 3-0 (71-22, 65-23, 65-54) while national champion Shahid Aftab registered a gripping 4-3 914-48, 33-21, 42-15, 28-49, 45-10, 12-36, 66-0) win over Abdullah Alyousef of Kuwait in the 6-red championship opener.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2025