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Anupama Ramachandran shifts focus to billiards for Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 23, 2026, 21:34 IST

Reigning IBSF World Snooker champion Anupama Ramachandran is set to lead India's billiards campaign at the upcoming Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships in Ahmedabad, following a successful run in UK snooker events.

Anupama Ramachandran shifts focus to billiards for Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships

Following a strong semifinal performance at the UK Women’s Snooker Championship earlier this month, Anupama Ramachandran is preparing to transition her focus toward the billiards table. The reigning IBSF World Snooker champion has been named to lead the Indian contingent in English billiards at the upcoming Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from October 7 to 10.

Reflecting on her recent form, the 23-year-old expressed confidence in her current rhythm. While acknowledging the technical differences between snooker and billiards, she remains focused on the specific demands of the latter. Anupama noted that although the two disciplines share certain similarities, they require distinct skill sets and mental approaches, necessitating dedicated practice time to adjust her game accordingly.

Adapting to new challenges and refining technique

In addition to her primary focus on snooker and billiards, Anupama has spent the last 18 months diversifying her experience by competing in Heyball at both Asian and World championship levels. She explained that while her background in snooker provides a foundation for potting, the tactical nuances of other cue sports require a different mindset. She views this period as an essential phase for gaining experience and adapting her strategic thinking.

To ensure she is in peak condition for the Ahmedabad event, Anupama has been working closely with former Asian champion Yasin Merchant. The training sessions have focused heavily on refining her cueing and timing. According to the player, these technical adjustments have already begun to yield positive results, providing her with greater comfort and consistency in her shot-making.

Building on India’s cue sports legacy

Anupama views the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships as a significant platform, especially given the inclusion of billiards in the Commonwealth Games. She remains acutely aware of the rich history of the sport in India, citing legends such as Wilson Jones, Michael Ferreira, Geet Sethi, and Pankaj Advani as inspirations. With India having secured five medals at the previous edition of the tournament in Mauritius, she is optimistic about the team's prospects of improving upon that tally on home soil.