Subrat Das Shines Bright: Indian Cueist Triumphs at the Irish Open Challenge Cup 2026

Subrat Das from Odisha has made a remarkable comeback by winning the Irish Open Challenge Cup 2026, marking a significant achievement for Indian billiards. In a thrilling final against fellow Indian Srinu Katipogu, Das overcame a substantial deficit to secure victory. His journey through the tournament was marked by impressive performances, including the highest breaks. With this victory, Das is now focused on the upcoming IBSF World Billiards Championship, where he aims to continue his success on the global stage. Discover more about his inspiring journey and future aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 12:15 IST

A Stellar Comeback in Billiards

Bhubaneswar: Subrat Das, a talented cueist from Odisha, made headlines by winning the Irish Open Challenge Cup 2026, a significant achievement for Indian billiards on the world stage.

While representing India in Ireland, Das demonstrated remarkable skill, resilience, and composure throughout the competition.

In a thrilling final against compatriot Srinu Katipogu, Das executed a stunning comeback, securing victory with a score of 220-200.

The match, lasting an hour, saw Das initially fall behind by nearly 100 points for the first 51 minutes.

However, in a dramatic finish, he showcased exceptional cue control and mental strength, making impressive breaks of 60 and 40 in the final nine minutes to clinch the title by a narrow 20-point margin.

Das's path to the championship was equally impressive, starting with a commanding 200-54 win over John MacIntyre in the Top 32 round.

He maintained his momentum by defeating Dom Halligan 200-139 in the Top 16, followed by a decisive 200-91 victory against Peter Stanyer in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, Das delivered a standout performance, overpowering Joe Doheny with a score of 325-133.

The Odisha star also achieved the highest breaks of the tournament, with remarkable scores of 96 and 85, highlighting his technical prowess.

With this victory boosting his confidence, Subrat Das is now setting his sights on the upcoming IBSF World Billiards Championship, scheduled for April 25 to 28, where he aims to continue his successful streak on the international circuit.