Iulian Boiko has regained his professional status by beating Oliver Sykes in the final of the 2025 EBSA under-21 Championship.
Congratulations Iulian Boiko!
Here is the report shared by WST:
Boiko Regains Tour Card
Ukrainian 19-year-old Iulian Boiko has secured a return to the World Snooker Tour, after defeating Oliver Sykes 5-4 to become EBSA European Under 21 Champion.
Boiko, who first turned professional at the age of 14, dropped of the circuit in 2022. Since then he has reached the cusp of a return through Q School, but agonisingly lost in the final round on two occasions.
Today’s encounter came down to the wire, but it was Boiko who held his nerve in a final frame decider to deny Sykes his maiden tour card. Boiko earns a minimum of two years in the professional ranks.
Boiko said: “It was a crazy game. It is never easy to get on the tour. I felt calm and controlled at the beginning of the game. Oliver is a great player and he found his game. He was dominant in the frames he won. I don’t know where I got the energy from, but I’m glad I did and I’ll enjoy being on tour again.
“It is a different game on the tour. You have to be outstanding to stay in the top 64 after two years. Not many can do that. I’ll be working hard. I can’t celebrate for a long time as I know how difficult it is.”
It wasn’t a high quality match, both players were tense, both wanted it really badly. It had already been a huge effort to reach that final. Both young men gave it everything and there could be only one winner.
I’m glad that Iulian emerged the winner, and that’s absolutely nothing against Oliver. But Iulian had so many heartaches over the last years. I’m sure the disappointments at the table were hard to take, but certainly far from as hard and harrowing as the constant anguish about the situation in his country and about the family and friends who are caught in this terrible war. I’m sure they were on his mind when he lifted the trophy.
So once again, congratulations Iulian and good luck!
And I will admit to what I shouted when that last ball was potted … it was just …
Ronnie O'Sullivan 
So happy for Julian, so many near misses and he kept trying, must have been so frustrating for him, glad he made it. All the best for him on the Tour!
What a beautiful post! I’ll be honest, and admit that I was crying by the end of that match. It meant so much for me to see him win it, and get back on the tour. He deserves it so, so much.
Unfortunately, I missed the majority of the match due to a work-related meeting. But after I finished the meeting, I sat with a few friends to talk, while I also tried to watch the final frame on the mobile phone. They’re not into the snooker the way I am, but they saw me reacting at the end, and a couple of them came to hug me and ask about the sport, the match, and why this was so important.
Sometimes people are very lovely.
Such a beautiful moment. And I’m still full of joy about it now.