Snooker wonderkid, 15, compared to Ronnie O'Sullivan after incredible World Championship record

Callum Vurley
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:46:47 +0000

Polish snooker sensation Michal Szubarczyk has etched his name into the history books after becoming the youngest player ever to win a World Championship match.

The 15-year-old secured a brilliant 10-7 win over former women's world champion Onyee Ng during Monday's first qualifying round in Sheffield.

At precisely 15 years, two months and 25 days old, the teenager smashed the previous record held by Wales' Liam Davies, who was 15 years and 277 days when he achieved the feat back in 2022.

It's a remarkable milestone for snooker's youngest ever professional, who only made his debut aged 14 in June 2025.

Szubarczyk is absolutely loving every moment of his breakthrough, telling the World Snooker Tour's website: "I feel very proud and excited about the next matches.

"Maybe this year or next year I can become the youngest Crucible player."

The talented youngster added: "For me, getting to the Crucible is the first goal of many others in professional snooker."

Far from being overwhelmed by the spotlight, he's embracing it wholeheartedly.

"I'm enjoying the pressure and expectation. I have been dreaming about playing in the World Championship for about the last six years," he said.

Next up for Szubarczyk is a second qualifying round clash against Sanderson Lam.

The Polish prodigy now has his sights firmly set on another record – becoming the youngest player to grace the famous Crucible Theatre.

That honour currently belongs to Belgium's Luca Brecel, who was 17 years and 45 days old when he qualified for the main draw back in 2012.

With three more qualifying rounds standing between Szubarczyk and Sheffield's iconic venue, there's still plenty of work to do.

But given his age, he's got multiple chances to beat Brecel's mark – whether it happens this year or next, the teenager clearly believes it's only a matter of time.

Three-time world champion Mark Williams has been singing Szubarczyk's praises, even drawing comparisons with the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"I did say he's up there; not quite as good as O'Sullivan when he was 14, 15, but he's not far behind," Williams said in February after watching the teenager impress against Neil Robertson at the Welsh Open.

"Ronnie wasn't beating established pros at 14 on tour. I mean, he's already beaten Jimmy White, Martin O'Donnell, Jamie Jones, and a few others."

Williams added: "He hasn't quite got the flair of O'Sullivan, but oh my god, he can pot from anywhere. Great to watch."