Local talents compete alongside international stars on historic first day of Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters

RIYADH: The inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters kicked off on Friday, as the World Snooker Tour’s new major championship was hosted at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

As the biggest international ranking event in WST history and the first-ever staged in the Kingdom, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters represents the start of a new era for professional snooker locally and internationally. Running until Sept. 7, this year’s edition welcomes 144 of the world’s best players with the title and world ranking points on offer.

Dr. Nasser Al-Shamri, president of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, said: “This historic event is already presenting never-before-seen opportunities for our talent and fans across the Kingdom. We’re delighted that they can finally experience and be a part of such a prestigious tournament right here in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters marks a new era for snooker nationwide and across the region — and it’s an exciting time for everyone connected with the sport.”

Round 1 of action saw 62 players — including seven from the Kingdom — competing across 31 matches.

Tipped to be one of Saudi Arabia’s future snooker stars, 14-year-old Ziyad Al-Qabbani made his first WST appearance on home soil against 2023 World Junior Champion Stan Moody from England. While falling short in his maiden ranking event match, Al-Qabbani — the youngest player in the tournament — revealed it was a dream come true to play against high-caliber players and that he looks forward to his future in the sport.

Elsewhere on Day 1, women’s world No. 1 Mink Nutcharut from Thailand progressed to the second round with a 4-2 win over Libya’s Kusai Hamed. Her encounter highlighted the opportunities for female professionals to compete in major tournaments. Snooker legend Jimmy White and former world champion Ken Doherty were also in action.

Meanwhile, Najla Al-Naimi, the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation-registered referee, became the first woman to officiate a professional match in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is part of a partnership between the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation to develop the game nationally and regionally over the next decade.

Ranking alongside the sport’s “Triple Crown” events — the Masters, UK Championship, and World Championship — should elevate the status of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters to one of the most prestigious tournaments in snooker.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters continues on Saturday with 32 matches locked in across Round 2, broadcast in 200 countries to a global audience exceeding 500 million.