MUSCAT, JAN 19
Iran’s Siavash Mozayani was crowned champion of the Muscat Nights International Snooker Championship after defeating Iraq’s Ali Hussein 4–3 in a thrilling match that went down to the decisive frames. Pakistan's Nadeem Gul claimed the billiards title after a dramatic 13–12 victory over compatriot Qadeer Abbas.
The Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship witnessed wide participation from elite players representing 20 countries. The awards ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Ahmed bin Said al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, in the presence of Brigadier Jamal bin Said al Taie, Director-General of Financial Affairs at the Royal Oman Police, Khalid al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee (OBSC), Hisham al Sinani, Director-General of Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, at the Arena Active Oman Hall at the Oman Automobile Association.
The snooker competition witnessed strong competition from the opening rounds through to the final. Iran’s Siavash Mozayani defeated Iraq’s Ali Hussain 4–3 in a closely contested final. Mozayani had reached the final after overcoming Nadeem Gul 4–3 in the semifinals, while Ali Hussain advanced to the final following a 4–1 victory over Iran’s Amir Hossein Bagheri Fard.
BILLIARDS RESULTS
The billiards competition was equally intense and competitive. In the final, Gul edged Qadeer Abbas 13–12, securing the title by the narrowest of margins.
The semifinals produced thrilling encounters, as Abbas advanced to the final after a convincing 11–6 win over Wissam Dakkak, while Gul reached the final following a tense 11–10 victory against Filipino player Allan Quartiero.
Following the finals, Engineer Ahmed al Amery, alongside Khalid al Subhi, crowned the winners. In the snooker competition, Siavash Mozayani claimed first place, with Ali Hussain finishing second. In billiards, Nadeem Gul secured first place, while Qadeer Abbas was runner-up.
Afghan player Mohammed Saleh was awarded the Highest Break of the championship with 137 points, while the Best Emerging Young Talents in Omani Snooker award was presented to Mohammed bin Qasim al Balushi, Khalid bin Al Waleed al Balushi, Al Yaman bin Ali al Balushi and Ahmed Noman.
OBSC chief Khalid al Subhi said the second edition of the Muscat Nights International Championship was a major success, with 125 players from 18 countries taking part, reflecting the tournament’s growing international stature. He noted that positive feedback from players and delegations confirmed its strong organisational and technical standards, adding that the thrilling finals further enhanced the championship’s value.
Al Subhi added that the event provides important international exposure for local players and revealed plans to expand participation to more than 150 players in the next edition, with ambitions to reach 250 in the future, praising the support of Muscat Municipality, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the organising team.
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