Kowalski Voted April Player of the Month
Antoni Kowalski has been voted as the WPBSA Players’ Player of the Month for April after coming through the World Championship qualifying rounds to earn a Crucible Theatre debut and save his tour card.
The 22-year-old began in the second qualifying round and defeated Connor Benzey (10-1), Joe O’Connor (10-8) and former quarter-finalist Jamie Jones (10-8) to earn his place in the final stages of the World Championship for the first time.
Kowalski’s memorable trio of wins at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield saw him make history by becoming the first ever Polish player to compete at the Crucible Theatre and saved him from relegation from the World Snooker Tour.
Kowalski, whose World Championship run was ended by three-time champion Mark Williams in the last 32, said after qualification: “The best explanation of how much this means to me is that I never usually cry! This is the only time I will think more about saving my tour card rather than playing at the Crucible. There are so many emotions for me now. It’s so special for an overseas player like me.”
About the Award
Launched by WPBSA Players, the Players’ Player of the Month award recognises outstanding performance, as voted by fellow players. Its key aim is to honour excellence, consistency, and impact on the table, as recognised by those who understand the demands of the game best.
Each month throughout the 2025/26 season a shortlist will be compiled by an independent panel. The panel includes renowned snooker broadcasters David Hendon and Abigail Davies, sports journalist Phil Haigh and WPBSA Players Director Tian Pengfei. The shortlist will consider performances in all completed events for the corresponding month.
April – Antoni Kowalski
