Ranade’s Stunning Comeback Headlines Day 4 as Players Seal Last 64 Spots at National Pool Championship 2026

Ludhiana, March 27, 2026: Day 4 of the Manisha Constructions National Pool Championship 2026 (9-Ball & 10-Ball) delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament so far, as Abhijeet Ranade (Maharashtra) produced a sensational comeback to headline the conclusion of the Men’s 9-Ball double elimination stage and confirm qualification into the Last 64 knockout round.
Trailing 5–2 against Shabaz Adil Khan (PSPB) in a winner qualification match, Ranade showcased exceptional composure and resilience, reeling off four consecutive frames to clinch a memorable 6–5 victory. The result not only secured his progression but also stood out as one of the defining matches of the championship so far.
Key Qualification Results
As the qualification phase concluded, several top contenders booked their places in the knockout stage:
Alok Kumar (PSPB) continued his consistent run, defeating Nitin Sharma (Chandigarh) 6–3
Nitin Sareen (Chandigarh) advanced comfortably with a 6–2 win over Pushpinder Singh (RSPB)
These results marked the transition from league pressure to knockout intensity.
Day 4: Dominance and Deciders
Earlier in the day, the final rounds of double elimination produced a blend of commanding victories and high-pressure finishes.
Dominant Performances
Anmoldeep Singh (Punjab) registered a clinical 6–0 win over Harshit Sharma (MP)
Piyush Kushwaha (MP) impressed with two dominant victories, including 6–0 wins in the day
Ranveer Duggal (Chandigarh) blanked Karan Verma (Haryana) 6–0
Saqlain Mushtaque (West Bengal) secured a 6–0 win
Close Battles Under Pressure
Rafath Habib (RSPB) held his nerve in two tight finishes, winning 6–5 on both occasions
Mandeep Singh (RSPB) edged a 6–5 victory over Manmeet Bhatia (Delhi)
Jagadesh B (Tamil Nadu) clinched a narrow 6–5 win over Viren Sharma (MP)
Kushal C (Karnataka) survived a thriller, defeating Deepanshu Rohilla (Chandigarh) 6–5
Anmoldeep Singh (Punjab) added another close win, edging Mandeep Singh (RSPB) 6–5
Consistent Performers Build Momentum
Several players carried strong form through multiple rounds:
Gagandeep Makkar (Chandigarh) continued his impressive run with wins including 6–1 and 6–2 results
Divyanshu Sharma (Delhi) advanced confidently with back-to-back wins
Nitesh Madan (RSPB) maintained consistency with controlled victories
Malkeet Singh (RSPB) remained steady with dominant performances, including a 6–1 win
Knockout Stage Awaits
With the conclusion of the double elimination phase, the championship now moves into the Last 64 knockout stage, where the margin for error disappears and every match becomes decisive.
Ranade’s comeback victory serves as a defining reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where momentum can shift instantly and resilience often separates contenders from the rest.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament enters its knockout phase, the intensity is expected to rise significantly, with India’s top cueists now just a few matches away from national glory and international opportunities.