Iulian Boiko ‘dreaming big’ at World Championship snooker qualifiers – ‘I want to raise Ukraine flag in Crucible’

Ukraine teenager Iulian Boiko has revealed he is on a mission to raise his country’s flag on snooker’s biggest stage at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The talented 17-year-old breezed past Muhammad Asif of Pakistan in his opening match in the World Championship qualifiers with a 10-2 victory, boosted by breaks of 55, 100, 126 and 86.

He needs three more wins at the English Institute of Sport to realise his dream of appearing at the nearly Crucible for the first time in his short career, starting with a second round match against world No. 69 Stuart Carrington on Thursday.

Boiko became the youngest player to appear at the World Championship when he competed in qualifying at the age of 14 in 2020, losing 6-3 to Thor Chuan Leong despite some impressive shot-making.

He is focussed on regaining his place on the main professional circuit by reaching the main draw this year.

“I’m dreaming big,” he said. “I really want to make it to the Crucible and since I am now an amateur, I don’t feel like I have that much pressure. My next opponent needs points to stay on tour and that will make a difference.”

Boiko is based in Poland where he has his own practice room set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in his homeland.

“I am so proud to represent my country, Ukraine, everywhere,” he said. “I want to raise the Ukrainian flag in the Crucible.

“Getting there would be a dream and I really hope play to my best standard.”

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