Nitesh Chand claims Nadi Open Snooker title

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Picture: FILE

Nitesh Chand of Lautoka won the Nadi Open Snooker Tournament early on Sunday morning.

Chand displayed his skill and composure to claim the title after a thrilling three-day competition at the Nadi Sports and Social Club.

The tournament featured 30 players from Nausori, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, and Sigatoka and highlighted the depth of talent across the country.

Chand’s consistency and strategic gameplay set him apart throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive win in the final.

His opponent, 19-year-old Manav, demonstrated immense promise, reaching the final in a commendable run that underscored his potential as one of the sport’s rising stars.

Despite the loss, Manav earned praise for his determination and skill, proving his capability to compete at the highest level.

The semi-finalists included seasoned player Kaci and the experienced Rajnesh Nand, both of whom fought hard but fell just short of making it to the final match.

Their performances added excitement to the competition, with tightly contested matches that kept spectators on edge.

Organised by the Nadi Sports and Social Club, the tournament drew players from across Fiji, making it a platform for regional snooker enthusiasts to test their mettle.

Tournament organiser Jitendra Singh expressed his satisfaction with the event.

“This year’s Nadi Open brought together a fantastic mix of experienced players and emerging talents.

“The competition was fierce, and it’s great to see the level of snooker in Fiji continuing to improve.”

For Chand, the victory cements his reputation as one of Fiji’s premier snooker players, while the tournament highlighted the sport’s bright future with young players like Manav making their mark.