Ishpreet Singh Chadha Shocks Mark Selby to Reach English Open Semi-Finals

Posted : 21 September 2024

India’s Ishpreet Singh Chadha achieved a remarkable 5-4 victory over his idol Mark Selby, earning a spot in the semi-finals of the BetVictor English Open in Brentwood. This victory marks a significant milestone, as Singh Chadha becomes the first Indian player to reach the semi-finals of a ranking tournament since Aditya Mehta did so in the 2013 Indian Open. The triumph is particularly noteworthy given Singh Chadha's journey from professional E-Sports gamer to aspiring snooker player, a transition he made two years ago by successfully navigating Asia/Oceania Q School.

Starting this tournament, Singh Chadha had only advanced to the last 32 in previous ranking events. His path to the semi-finals has been impressive, featuring wins against notable opponents such as Simon Blackwell, Graeme Dott, and Hossein Vafaei, culminating in his victory over Selby. In the semi-finals, he will face China’s Wu Yize. Singh Chadha initially took control of the match with breaks of 73 and 114, establishing a 4-1 lead, but Selby, a four-time World Champion, fought back fiercely.

Selby’s resilience was on full display as he narrowed the gap to 4-3, ultimately forcing a decisive final frame with a break of 96. Although Selby had chances to complete the comeback, he was unable to convert them. Singh Chadha capitalized on his opportunity with an incredible opening red and maintained his composure, sealing the win with a break of 41 to triumph on the final black. This emotional victory resonated deeply with him, particularly as his mother, who has relocated to Sheffield to support his career, watched from the stands, moved to tears by her son’s achievement.

Reflecting on the match, Singh Chadha expressed both his joy and relief, acknowledging Selby as his favorite player and noting the pressure he felt throughout the encounter. He emphasized the significance of this win, describing it as his biggest achievement in a ranking event to date. Singh Chadha attributed some of his competitive edge to skills honed in gaming, particularly in handling pressure during crucial moments. He also credited his mother for her unwavering support and sacrifices, highlighting her vital role in his journey as a snooker player.

In other news from the tournament, Neil Robertson secured his semi-final spot with a commanding 5-1 victory over Barry Hawkins. This win marks Robertson’s first semi-final appearance of the season as he looks to climb back up the rankings after a challenging campaign. With aspirations to break back into the top 16, Robertson has already recorded impressive victories this week, including a notable win against Shaun Murphy. He anticipates a tough semi-final against Chris Wakelin, acknowledging Wakelin's recent improvements and form, signaling an exciting clash ahead.

Ishpreet Singh Chadha Shocks Mark Selby to Reach English Open Semi-Finals

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