Iulian Boiko is enjoying one of the best weeks of his snooker career, but the situation at home in Ukraine continues to be a constant worry.
The 20-year-old beat Ding Junhui 4-1 on Wednesday evening at the British Open to land the biggest victory of his career.
He moves into the last 16 in Cheltenham thanks to the victory over the Chinese legend and is feeling confident after a strong showing, but one that didn’t see him hit peak performance.
‘I still feel like there’s room for improvement, which is a good sign,’ he told Metro.
It has been a long journey for Boiko, despite being so young, as he first turned professional at just 14 years old.
His career has largely been played out with the grim distraction of war in his home country Ukraine, which continues today.
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Boiko is based in Warsaw, Poland with his father, brother and girlfriend, but his mother is still working in Ukraine and is limited to visiting them ‘two or three times’ every month.
‘In theory I could go back but obviously it would be really difficult to practise with sirens and shells, it would be really difficult,’ said Boiko.
‘I was looking at that a couple of years ago but now the situation has got worse in the past year. I don’t think I’m going home any time soon.
‘My mum’s working there in energy infrastructure, so she’s really serving our country.’
That’s one way to get over the line…
Iulian Boiko is in the hat for next round in Cheltenham! 👏#BritishOpen pic.twitter.com/25X4WhcIBc
— WST (@WeAreWST) September 2, 2026
Clearly it is a concern for Boiko and his family as his mum works in such a dangerous environment and one that shows little sign of improving.
‘It is scary, I’m definitely worried for her most of the time,’ he said. ‘Especially when we know there are some attacks incoming, but I guess that’s what people get used to.
‘That’s the scary part, really, that people are getting used to that. A new reality. It’s into the fifth year now.
‘Ukraine is a small country, especially compared to Russia, so it needs help but it seems to be not going so well.’
Boiko is one of three Ukrainians on the professional snooker tour, alongside Michael Larkov and Anton Kazakov.
‘All three of us live abroad,’ said Boiko. ‘Michael lives in Germany, Anton lives in the UK. It wouldn’t be possible now to live in Ukraine now and compete.
‘In Warsaw I do solo practice, but I come to Huddersfield and the UK in general to play sets against other people, to keep match sharp before tournaments.
‘The travel is a lot, but you get used to it. The most difficult part is not being able to see family most of the time, but you get used to it. It’s very rewarding to see me play well, especially at that level [against Ding], so I guess it’s all worth it.’
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