Odisha snooker star claims sixth senior state ranking title

Odisha cuesports professional Ashutosh Padhi secured his sixth state crown by defeating his mentor Subrat Das 6-1 during the finals of the 32nd All Odisha Billiards & Snooker State Ranking Championship 2026. Concluding at GK Snooker Cafe Club in Cuttack, the match highlighted precision and strategic potting. Padhi established immediate control over the green baize, claiming five consecutive frames to build an insurmountable 5-0 lead. He sealed the final outcome with frame scores of 54-12, 72-40, 57-38, 74-15, 63-30, 36-54, and 60-20. This latest victory pushes his career title tally past Das, who currently holds five senior snooker state championships.

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Match dominance and record performances

Beyond securing the championship trophy, Padhi recorded the tournament's highest snooker break of 71 points. He also registered a remarkable 107-point break in the billiards format. Both achievements earned him special cash rewards of ₹5,000 each. For his championship victory, he received a ₹20,000 cash prize, while runner-up Das collected ₹10,000. Enthusiasts and officials noted his flawless striking momentum throughout the final frames.

Category winners and national preparations

In other competitive divisions, N Shubhangi Rao swept both the women's snooker and billiards categories by defeating runner-up Abhinandita Das. Vishesh Singhal emerged victorious in the junior men's billiards and snooker events against TreVikram Guin. All champions and runners-up received certificates and trophies during the closing ceremony. State tournaments like this remain crucial for cultivating competitive cuesports talent across eastern India. Tournament officials, including BSAO Secretary Sameer Ali and President Tara Ranjan Pattnaik, congratulated the players. They confirmed that top performers will now prepare to represent the state at the upcoming National Billiards & Snooker Championship scheduled to be held in Karnataka.