Haris Tahir, born on April 9, 2000, in Lahore, Punjab, is making waves in the world of snooker. Known by his nickname ‘Mr One Visit’ for his potent break-building skills, Tahir has quickly transitioned from a promising amateur to a professional on the World Snooker Tour, starting his journey in the 2024-25 season.
Early Beginnings and Amateur Success
Tahir’s love for snooker was evident from a young age, leading him to a series of impressive achievements on the amateur circuit:
- Maximum Breaks: He’s celebrated for his scoring ability, achieving his first 147 break in Lahore in 2015 and has since made three maximum breaks, including in tournament play.
- National Titles: His talent was showcased when he won the Pakistan National Under-18 Championship in 2020 and the Under-21 National Championship the same year, demonstrating his dominance at the youth level.
- Local Hero: In Pakistan, Tahir has been a runner-up in the National Under-21 Championship in 2017 and was the Punjab Champion in 2018, establishing himself as a local snooker hero.
Transition to the Professional Scene
Tahir’s leap into professionalism was marked by his performance at the Asia-Oceania Q School in 2024, where he battled through deciding frames to secure a two-year tour card. His path to the tour was dramatic, showcasing his resilience:
- Q School Victory: He overcame several opponents, including a comeback against Iran’s Ehsan Heydarinezhad, culminating in a 4-2 win over China’s Lan Yuhao to earn his spot on the tour.
- First Professional Wins: His debut on the professional stage saw him defeating Jamie Jones in a qualifier for the Wuhan Open, and he continued to make his mark by defeating Zak Surety at the 2024 Northern Ireland Open.
Playing Style and Qualities
- Break-Building: His nickname ‘Mr One Visit’ is well-earned due to his ability to compile high breaks, often putting games to bed in one go.
- Aggressive and Precise: Tahir’s style is characterized by aggressive potting combined with precision, making him a dangerous player from the start of a frame.
- Adaptability: He’s shown he can adapt to the demands of professional play, mixing his natural attacking style with necessary defensive play.
Notable Matches and Achievements
- British Open 2024: A standout performance came when he outclassed Simon Blackwell in the second round, showing he can compete against seasoned professionals.
- World Championship Qualifiers: He’s begun to make his presence felt in the qualifiers, proving his game holds up on the world stage.
The Road Ahead
With his professional career just beginning, Haris Tahir has much to prove:
- Consistency: The challenge for Tahir will be to maintain his form and push for higher rankings.
- Learning Curve: As with any new professional, adapting to the constant competitive environment, travel, and pressure of the tour will be key.
- Mentorship and Growth: Learning from experiences players like Asif and coaches will be crucial for his development.
Conclusion
Haris Tahir’s journey from Lahore’s snooker tables to the international stage is a narrative of skill, determination, and the promise of what’s to come. With his break-building prowess and the nickname ‘Mr One Visit’, he’s not just a player to watch but one who could redefine expectations for Pakistani snooker on a global scale. As he navigates his early professional years, Tahir’s story is one of potential, hard work, and the dreams of representing Pakistan with pride in the snooker world.