Chennai’s teen talent in billiards

The youngster was elated and said he finds motivation from the award. “I want to do better and achieve greater heights in the sport,” he said after getting the award. For him, the list of accolades is endless. He has set the cue sport on fire by winning all six state titles (in billiards and snooker) for two consecutive years, a hat-trick of U-18 national billiards title (in 2015, 2016 and 2017), winner of the U-18 national snooker title in 2016 and 2017 and a quarter-finalist at the most recent World Men’s Billiards Championship, to list a few. 

The Chennai player emphasises he hasn’t started to make waves in the games yet. “I have a lot to improve in my defence game. I have been watching Mark Selby’s (the reigning World snooker champion) videos. He is a master at playing defence and I have understood that it is all about grit,” he said. Shrikrishna said his biggest learning comes from the practice sessions. “There is a lot to learn from every player I practise with. It gives me an opportunity to learn and try new shots. Observation is the key and I get to learn a lot from my peers,” he added. He added, “All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my coach, Nadeem Ahmed sir and my parents. My coach helps me push barriers constantly with different challenges and that’s how my game has developed.” The sport is not new to the Chennai player’s genes. His parents played the sport and his father quit playing the sport seven years ago to help his son fuel his dreams. 

“Undoubtedly my inspiration and my mentor would be my father, both on and off the table. He has taught me to handle myself and go for my shots. He has made me mentally tough and it has brought me to where I am today and I am sure his guidance will take me places,” Shrikrishna added. Being a foodie, it was just natural that he had put on a little weight. “Yes, fitness is one of my prime focusses this year. I am now hooked to swimming and I have lost 14 kilos in four months. It (fitness) has played a major part in my achievements and I am in no mood to take fitness light,” says Shrikrishna, who now intends to concentrate on his studies for some more time before taking the plunge.