Riley Powell Defeats Pankaj Advani at IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025

In a dramatic upset at the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship 2025, 16-year-old Welsh cueist Riley Powell defeated India’s snooker legend Pankaj Advani in the final held in Manama, Bahrain. The closely contested match ended 5-4 in Powell’s favour, denying Advani a record 29th world title on his 40th birthday. The win marks a significant milestone in Powell’s budding career and highlights the global rise of young talent in the sport of snooker.

Background of the Tournament

The International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World 6-Red Championship is a prestigious global event featuring top cueists from around the world. The “6-Red” format, unlike traditional snooker, features just six red balls instead of fifteen, leading to a faster, more aggressive style of play. Pankaj Advani, India’s most decorated cueist, entered the tournament as a wildcard and was expected to clinch his 29th world title.

The Final Clash: Experience vs Youth

The final was a best-of-nine-frames encounter. Advani, showcasing his masterful safety play, initially took control of the match, leading 3-1 with a classy 73-point clearance in the third frame and winning the fourth in a tense black-ball playoff.

However, Powell, known for his aggressive potting style, mounted a fierce comeback. He won four of the next five frames, including two clean sheets and a decisive 38-9 final frame, to clinch victory.

Significance of the Win

• For Riley Powell: This victory is a career-defining moment. After missing out on both the U-17 and U-21 titles earlier in the tournament, Powell’s win in the senior category marks his official arrival on the global stage.
• For Pankaj Advani: Although a defeat, the match reinforced his status as a formidable competitor even at 40. His semifinal win over Aditya Mehta was a display of strategic brilliance.
• For Snooker: The result highlights the emergence of young global talents and a shift in the snooker landscape, once dominated by veterans.

Key Highlights & Results

• Winner: Riley Powell (Wales)
• Runner-up: Pankaj Advani (India)
• Final Score: 5-4 (41-6, 10-38, 0-73, 35-42, 38-15, 39-1, 42-0, 0-44, 38-9)
• U-21 Champion: Sebastian Milewski (Poland) defeated Pan Yiming (China) 5-0