Ishpreet Singh Chadha’s Rise in Professional Snooker
Here is a fresh rewrite of the snooker article, keeping the meaning and key points intact:
Ishpreet Singh Chadha: Rising Star of India's Professional Snooker Circuit
Mumbai's Ishpreet Singh Chadha is making waves in his second year on the professional snooker tour, racking up impressive victories over some of the sport's biggest names. The 28-year-old has demonstrated a knack for pulling off upsets, stunning top players like Gary Wilson, Stuart Bingham, Luca Brecel, Graeme Dott and Mark Selby.
Chadha's win over defending Welsh Open champion Wilson earlier this month was particularly noteworthy. "To beat a defending champion in any tournament is not easy," Chadha remarked. "Wilson is currently one of the top 15 players. Any win over a player of that quality is a good win."
Competing on the pro tour has given Chadha exposure to a demanding schedule of 12-14 events per year. "You need to be prepared all the time," he explained. "In India we don't have as many tournaments of this scale. Everything is so big here – the prize money, event structure, level of players…"
Chadha's snooker journey has been unconventional. A promising junior who started at age 11, his career was derailed by a major ankle injury in 2017. During his six-month recovery, he discovered a talent for esports. Even after recovering, Chadha continued playing for high-profile esports teams, with snooker taking a backseat.
The pandemic lockdown in 2020 marked a turning point. With all players starting from scratch after months without competition, Chadha recognized a opportunity to refocus on snooker. Rigorous training with former Asian Games gold medalist Yasin Merchant and a commitment to fitness that saw him shed over 20kg put Chadha back on track. Winning the 2021 national championship boosted his confidence as he earned a spot on the pro tour.
Chadha made history at the 2024 English Open, becoming the first Indian to reach a ranking event semi-final since Aditya Mehta in 2013. With a near mathematical certainty of retaining his professional status next season, Chadha has proven he belongs at snooker's top tier.
Key Takeaways:
- Ishpreet Singh Chadha, 28, from Mumbai, is making an impact in his second year on snooker's professional tour
- Chadha has scored upset wins over top players like Gary Wilson, Stuart Bingham, Luca Brecel, Graeme Dott and Mark Selby
- The demanding pro circuit of 12-14 annual events is a major step up from the level of competition in India
- A serious 2017 injury sidelined Chadha before he turned to esports; the 2020 pandemic gave him a chance to refocus on snooker
- Intensive training, improved fitness and the 2021 national title have helped Chadha establish himself as a force on the pro tour
