Lucknow: The CueX Academy Snooker and Billiards Tournament is living up to its billing as one of the most competitive cue sports events in the city, with top players and emerging talents battling for honours in a championship that has attracted a record 86 entries in the snooker category.
The spotlight on the latest day of competition belonged to Ayush Mittal, one of the country’s leading cueists and a National Top-16 player, who produced a commanding display to secure his place in the next round. Mittal outclassed Amir Khan with a comprehensive 3-0 victory, showcasing the quality and composure that have made him one of the tournament favourites.
Playing with confidence and precision, Ayush controlled the pace of the match from the outset. His sharp potting, intelligent safety play and excellent cue-ball positioning left little room for his opponent to mount a challenge. The win underlined both his experience and ability to perform under pressure, earning appreciation from spectators gathered at the CueX Academy of Cue Sports in Vikas Nagar.
The championship has emerged as a celebration of cue sports in Lucknow, drawing the largest field seen in recent years. The impressive participation reflects the growing popularity of snooker in the city and the increasing number of players taking up the sport at the competitive level.
Beyond the established names, the tournament has also provided a valuable platform for several promising young cueists eager to test themselves against seasoned competitors. Their presence has added depth and unpredictability to the draw, ensuring that every round offers compelling contests and high-quality action.
Organisers have expressed satisfaction with the response from players and fans alike. Daily matches have attracted enthusiastic support from the local cue sports fraternity, creating an energetic atmosphere and highlighting the steady development of the game in Lucknow.
As the tournament moves towards its decisive stages, expectations are rising for more thrilling encounters. With players vying for the coveted title and momentum building with each passing round, the competition promises an exciting finish.
The championship will culminate with the grand finale on June 21, 2026, when Lucknow’s finest cueists will compete for top honours and bring another memorable edition of the CueX Academy tournament to a close.
