Cue Sports History Written in Mauritius: Commonwealth Billiards Championship 2025 Concludes with Champions Crowned Across Four Disciplines Mauritius, July 2025
The curtains have closed on the first-ever Commonwealth Billiards Championship, hosted in the picturesque island nation of Mauritius, a landmark moment for cue sports. In a week filled with intense rivalries, breathtaking comebacks, and moments of pure sportsmanship, athletes from 36 Commonwealth nations competed across four disciplines—Snooker, 10-Ball Pool, Heyball, and Blackball for glory and pride.
With the support of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), this event set new standards in production, digital engagement, and global cue sport visibility.
Champions of the Commonwealth 2025
Men’s 10-Ball Pool
Champion: Craig Bouwer (South Africa)
Runner-Up: Darcy McGinley (Canada)
Final Score: 9–6
In a gripping and high-quality Men’s 10-Ball final, Craig Bouwer of South Africa delivered a championship-worthy performance to defeat Darcy Mc Ginley of Canada with a scoreline of 9–6, and secure the gold medal in one of the most competitive divisions of the tournament.
Women’s 10-Ball Pool
Champion: Venus Lim (Singapore)
Runner-Up: Chitra Magimairaj (India)
Final Score: 5–5 (Shootout 4–2)
The Women’s 10-Ball final at the Commonwealth Billiards Championship 2025 was a thrilling battle between India’s Chitra Magimairaj and Singapore’s Venus Kim. Chitra surged ahead with a dominant 5–1 lead, but Venus mounted a stunning comeback to level the match at 5–5 as time expired. In the ensuing shootout, Chitra missed twice while Venus held her nerve, winning 4–2 to claim the gold in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament.
Men’s Heyball
Champion: Chandiga Ceaser (Uganda)
Runner-Up: Shivam Arora (India)
Final Score: 9–7
In a nail-biting Men’s Heyball final, Chandiga Ceaser of Uganda edged past Shivam Arora of India with a hard-fought 9–7 victory, securing a historic gold medal in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last shot.
Both players showcased world-class cue ball control and nerves of steel, trading frames with razor-thin margins. Shivam, who had blazed through earlier rounds with commanding performances, was met with fierce resistance from Ceaser, whose tactical brilliance and calm under pressure proved decisive in the closing racks.
Women’s Heyball
Champion: Vidya Pillai (India)
Runner-Up: Marina Jacobs (South Africa)
Final Score: 5–5 (Shootout 2–1)
India’s Vidya Pillai triumphed in a dramatic Women’s Heyball final at the Commonwealth Billiards Championship 2025, edging past South Africa’s Marina Jacobs in a heart-stopping finish. Pillai surged ahead with a commanding 5–1 lead, but Jacobs mounted a courageous comeback to tie the match 5–5 just as time expired. In a tense shootout, Vidya held her composure under immense pressure, clinching victory 2–1 and securing a well-deserved gold in one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters.
Men’s Blackball
Champion: Senzo Gumede (South Africa)
Runner-Up: Kasozi Joseph (Uganda)
Final Score: 7–3
Senzo Gumede of South Africa clinched the Men’s Blackball Gold Medal at the inaugural Commonwealth Billiards Championship 2025, defeating Kasozi Joseph of Uganda in a commanding 7–3 final.
From the opening break, Senzo set the tone with confidence, rhythm, and razor-sharp potting. The match saw him take early control, staying composed through tactical exchanges and capitalising on every opportunity. Kasozi Joseph, who had impressed throughout the tournament with his grit and flair, fought hard — but Senzo proved too strong in the final stretch.
Men’s Snooker
Champion: Michael Georgiou (Cyprus)
Runner-Up: Ross Vallance (Scotland)
Final Score: 3–0
In a final that showcased world-class control and composure, Georgiou delivered a flawless 3–0 victory over Scotland’s rising talent Ross Vallance. From the very first frame, Georgiou dominated the table, blending tactical precision with fluid breaks, never letting the pressure of a gold medal match shake his rhythm.
Women’s Snooker
Champion: Rebecca Kenna (England)
Runner-Up: Chau Audrey (Singapore)
Final Score: 2–0
Kenna left no doubt in the final, defeating Singapore’s top cueist Audrey with a commanding straight-frames victory.
A Celebration of Culture, Cue Sports, and Commonwealth Spirit
The event was much more than just competition. From a grand opening ceremony infused with Mauritian flair, to the vibrant arrival of 36 national delegations, and the emotional medal ceremonies, the week showcased the unity and excellence of Commonwealth sport.
This historic event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the MAU Pool Organization, led by President Venisha Gooriah Jugnarain, whose world-class team set new benchmarks in hospitality, venue management, and operations. The event was supported by a global digital audience thanks to wpalive.tv, which streamed matches across all 8 tables live, allowing fans from around the world to tune in.
A Special Salute to Our Commentators
WPA extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible commentary team, whose passionate storytelling brought the action to life every single day of the Commonwealth Billiards Championship 2025.
Led by Lenyuktha Chetty, our dynamic lead anchor, the anchor team included cue sport voices from across the world, Tim De Ruyter and Mark White, on 10 ball, while Raymond Tillack covered Heyball and Rafik Limbada covered Snooker And a special mention to our guest commentators who brought added energy and insider insights: Craig Bouwer – who also secured the 10-Ball Men’s Gold Medal, Sbu Dladla, James Kirk
And our entire team of analysts and hosts who made each match feel personal, insightful, and world-class.
Looking Ahead: India 2026!
In a thrilling announcement during the closing ceremony by MAU Pool Organization, led by President Venisha Gooriah Jugnarain that India will host the 2026 Commonwealth Billiards Championship to which Mr. Ishaun Singh, Vice President of the WCBS, officially confirmed, promising an even grander celebration of cue sports across the Commonwealth.
Thank you, Mauritius. Thank you, athletes. Thank you, Commonwealth.
This historic edition will be remembered as the turning point in cue sports under the Commonwealth banner—where champions were crowned, nations united, and the future was ignited.
Watch replays & highlights: https://wpalive.tv
Full brackets and results: DigitalPool.com & IBSF.info
Photo galleries & more updates: Visit WPA Facebook