Muscat: Filipino player Mark Anthony was crowned champion of the seventh edition of the Oman Open Billiards Championship, which concluded on Tuesday at Active Oman Arena, while Omani player Mohammed al Balushi finished as runner-up. The tournament featured a strong international turnout with 64 players from around the world, delivering high technical standards and intense competition throughout.
The championship brought together a distinguished group of international stars, led by Mark Anthony, Mehran Ershadi, Qadir Abbas and Nadeem Gul, alongside players from various nationalities, giving the event a strong technical edge and raising the level of excitement across all stages.
Omani players also made a strong impression, with Khalid al Shabibi, Mohammed al Hasani, Fahd al Maqbali and Nasser al Hinai qualifying for the Round of 16, reflecting the steady development of local players and their growing ability to compete with international professionals.
In the final, Mark Anthony claimed the title after defeating Mohammed al Balushi by 13–2, in a match that highlighted the technical gap between the two players. Despite the loss, Al Balushi delivered an impressive run to reach the final, earning well-deserved recognition for his performance.
The Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee stated that the organisation of the Oman Open forms part of its ongoing strategy to develop the sport, enhance players’ technical exposure, and attract international participation, contributing to the overall growth of billiards in Oman.
International Billiards and Snooker Begins
The Committee also praised the management of Arena Active Oman for their excellent hosting and organisation of the event, and commended all players, officials, referees, and media representatives for their efforts in ensuring the tournament’s success. The event came at a key time, coinciding with the launch of the Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship, further reinforcing Muscat’s growing reputation as a regional and international hub for cue sports.
In a related development, the Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship kicks off on Wednesday, featuring 125 male and female players from 18 countries competing for a total prize pool of RO 6,770, RO 3,420 for snooker and RO 3,350 for billiards.
The tournament runs from January 14 to 18 under international professional formats, including group stages and knockout rounds through to the finals, reflecting high organisational standards and a strong level of competition.
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