Michal Szubarczyk is 14 years old and has already managed to stir things up in the world of snooker. Three-time world champion Mark Williams sees the young Polish snooker player alongside the legend of the discipline, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Now Michał and his parents will need to decide whether to participate in the 2025/2026 professional season. 

There are three Poles now qualifying for the World Snooker Championships, which will take place from 7-16 April. Mateusz Baranowski, Antek Kowalski and Michał Szubarczyk will compete for a pass to the Crucible Theatre. 

Michał was less than 7 years old when he started to play snooker at the Masters Snooker Club in Lublin. The owner of the club, Piotr Murat, supported him all the way, and the young man still represents the club within the Lublin Sports Accademy Association. At first Michał was also involved in training football but soon he focused on snooker only. 

Szubarczyk developed an impeccable career – at the age of 13 in Antalya, within just two weeks he became European U-16 and U-18 champion, as well as the European senior vice-champion.

The rampage in Turkey was topped by Michał winning a ticket to the main tour. That is, at the age of 14, he becomes a pro like seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan or three-time world champion Mark Williams.

The competition in the World Tour is not cheap; each of the contestants has to be ready to pay some 130,000 zloty to participate. Therefore, Michał’s father works very hard to support him and also preserve their family budget. 

Once the deal for Michal to appear in the main tour is signed, Kamil, Dad and the coach will additionally have to step into the manager’s shoes and start pitching to sponsors.

When the formalities are out of the way, the contest will last from 7-16 April. It will take place at the English Institute. The main tournament takes place at the Crucible Theatre – one of the most important sites for the entire discipline. 

Michał’s rival in the first round will be Scotland’s Dean Young. The 23-year-old has been competing in the pros since 2021. His highest position in the World Ranking was 87th.

Another snooker legend, Alan McManus, commented on the young Pole’s early career. He asked his family to consider moving his appearance in the World Tour for a year or two so the young man could conclude his education first. 

Source: Eurosport, Polsat Sport

Photo: X @WPBSAofficial

Tomasz Modrzejewski