Polish teenager Michal Szubarczyk has etched his name into snooker history, becoming the youngest player ever to win a match at the World Championship.
At just 15 years, two months, and 25 days old, Szubarczyk secured a 10-7 victory over former women's world champion Onyee Ng in the first qualifying round in Sheffield on Monday. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record set by Wales' Liam Davies, who was 15 years and 277 days old when he won in 2022.
"I feel very proud and excited about the next matches. Maybe this year or next year I can become the youngest Crucible player," Szubarczyk told the World Snooker Tour's website. "For me, getting to the Crucible is the first goal of many others in professional snooker. I'm enjoying the pressure and expectation. I have been dreaming about playing in the World Championship for about the last six years."
The young star, who became the sport's youngest professional at age 14 in June 2025, now has his sights set on another milestone: breaking Luca Brecel's record as the youngest player to feature at the iconic Crucible Theatre. Brecel was 17 years and 45 days old when he reached the main draw in 2012.
Szubarczyk's rapid rise has been nothing short of spectacular. He first captured attention in April 2025 by reaching the final of the open-age event at the European Championship, and later that year, he clinched the World Amateur Championship title. A former World Under-21 champion and two-time European Under-18 champion, his pedigree is already well-established.
Next, Szubarczyk will face Sanderson Lam in the second of four qualifying rounds as he continues his quest to make history at the sport's most prestigious tournament.