Abdullah Alshammari reflects on sensational surprise victory at World Pool Championship

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alshammari stunned the world of professional pool on Monday night when he defeated the world No. 8, and two-time World Pool Masters champion, David Alcaide of Spain. (Supplied)

• The Saudi player secured a place in the nation’s sporting history with a 9-7 defeat of world No. 8, and 2-time World Pool Masters champion, David Alcaide of Spain
• 35-year-old Alshammari earned his place in the tournament, which the Kingdom will host for the next 10 years, as one of 13 local wildcard entrants

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alshammari stunned the world of professional pool on Monday night when he defeated the world No. 8, and two-time World Pool Masters champion, David Alcaide of Spain.
As the scale of his achievement in the first-round of the 2024 World Pool Championship in Jeddah began to sink in on Tuesday, he described his victory as a dream come true and said: “Sporting history tells us that anything is possible; you just have to believe in yourself, play with confidence and embrace and enjoy the moment. That was my mindset heading into the match with Alcaide.”
Alshammari secured his place in Saudi sporting history with a sublime display of potting accuracy, control of the cue ball and outstanding safety play during a thrilling 9-7 win.
The 35-year-old, who earned his place in the tournament as one of 13 local wildcard entrants, produced a world-class performance in his opening match, to the delight of an excited hometown crowd at the Green Halls.
Reflecting on the match, Alshammari credited the atmosphere inside the venue and his own self-belief as the key factors in his victory.
“It was always going to be tough and this is why confidence was essential,” he said. “Fortunately I managed to get the win and I must say, the support I received from the crowd was unbelievable. They really inspired me to give it absolutely everything out there, and the atmosphere they created is something I’ll never forget. The experience was a dream come true.”
As a result of an agreement between the Saudi Arabian Billiard and Snooker Federation, the Ministry of Sport, and Matchroom Multi-Sport, The Kingdom will be home of the World Pool Championship, considered the “crown jewel” of the World Nineball Tour, for the next 10 years. Alshammari believes this year’s inaugural Saudi-based event will be one to remember and encourage the next generation in the Kingdom to take up the sport.
“In the years ahead, when other Saudi Arabian players compete in the World Pool Championship, people will ask what inspired them to pick up a cue and play pool for the first time,” he said.
“I’m certain many will reply by saying that the Kingdom’s first-ever professional global tournament was the catalyst.
“For those of us here this year, this is the main hope we harbor: to inspire youngsters and lay solid foundations for them to follow in our footsteps and shine on the world stage. As players today, we are so fortunate to be in this position. Vision 2030 has opened up a whole new world of possibilities.”
The victory on Monday edges Alshammari closer to a place in the last 64. The double-elimination format of the event means players in the 128-strong field must win two matches to progress from the first round, and he will face Ko Ping Han of Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.
The World Pool Championship continues until June 8. The winner will receive a top prize of $250,000.