Welsh Open 2024: Ishpreet Singh Chadha Stuns Defending Champion Gary Wilson in Thrilling First Round

In a stunning upset at the 2024 Welsh Open, Indian snooker player Ishpreet Singh Chadha has eliminated defending champion Gary Wilson in a nail-biting first-round match. Chadha’s composure in the decisive frame secured his place in the last 32, marking one of the most memorable moments of the tournament so far.

The Match Breakdown

• Scoreline: Chadha vs. Wilson: 4-3
• Key Moments: Wilson recovered from a 2-1 deficit to lead 3-2, but Chadha showcased his resilience by winning the final two frames.

Chadha reflected on his victory: "It feels great. I think he (Wilson) wasn’t on it from the start of the game, and then he went berserk when he was down, which caught me off-guard. I’m just happy I could play well from behind. He’s always a tough player to beat, so I’m thrilled to get through."

Other Notable Matches

1. Mark Williams: The former champion breezed past Austria’s Florian Nuessle with three century breaks in a 4-1 victory. Williams, who last won the Welsh Open in 1999, downplayed his chances of repeating history, saying, "If I haven’t won it for the past 26 years, I don’t think I’m going to win it on the 27th."
2. Mark Selby: The four-time world champion advanced with a 4-2 win over Hayden Pinhey, including a break of 141.
3. Neil Robertson: The 2019 winner battled through a deciding frame to defeat Mark Davis, showcasing his experience and composure.

Welsh Players’ Performance

• Jamie Jones: Secured a 4-2 victory over China’s Si Jiahui.
• Dominic Dale: Last year’s quarter-finalist fell 4-2 to China’s Pang Junxu.

Looking Ahead

The Welsh Open continues to deliver thrilling matches, with Chadha’s victory setting the tone for an unpredictable tournament. Fans can catch all the action live on BBC Two Wales, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app.

Stay tuned for more updates as the competition unfolds!