File photo for representational purposes only.
Doha: The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) announced the organization of three Asian snooker championships for men, women, and under-21 juniors, with the participation of 87 top-ranked players from 21 countries. The competitions will begin on Saturday and continue until February 21.
The federation has completed all preparations to host the three championships simultaneously at its headquarters, ensuring that the events reflect Qatar's esteemed reputation for organizing sports championships. The competitions will commence with the Asian Snooker Championship (Men) 2025 (Qatar 2025) starting on Saturday and running until February 19.
The Asian Snooker Championship (Women) and the Under-21 Snooker Championship will take place concurrently from February 17 to February 21.
The QBSF is conducting the hosting preparations in close collaboration with the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS), headed by the Qatari President Mohamed Salem Al Nuaimi, and local authorities, ensuring the success of the event by securing all necessary logistical and technical arrangements.
The Qatari team will be represented in the competitions by five players in the men's category: Ali Al Obaidly, Mohanna Al Obaidly, Bashar Hussein, Ahmed Saif, and Abdulmohsen Khamis, and one player in the under-21 junior category: Rashid Al Saadi.
The Organizing Committee provided two halls at the Federation's headquarters to host the maximum number of matches simultaneously. The competitions will be held daily in four stages, starting at 10am, followed by the second stage at 1:00 PM, the third at 4:00 PM, and the fourth at 7:00 PM.
The Qatari team has the largest number of participating players in the championship since Qatar is the host country. QBSF officials confirmed that the selection included not only snooker players but also billiards players, giving all athletes the opportunity to participate and aim for good results and advanced stages.
The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation has formed the Organizing Committee for the championship, chaired by QBSF President Mohammed Al Ramzani, and QBSF Member of the board of directors and the Tournament Director Yacoub Fakhroo.
The Tournament Director Yacoub Fakhroo expressed confidence in Doha's successful hosting of the three championships, highlighting the Federation's experience in organizing multiple events simultaneously.
In a press statement, Fakhroo said that the QBSF is fully prepared to organize this significant continental event, aspiring to continue excelling in hosting snooker and billiards championships at the global, continental, and Arab levels.
He added that the Organizing Committee had completed all preparations early, thanks to the collective efforts of all Federation staff, ensuring the successful organization of the event, especially after gaining experience from hosting multiple world championships last month.
Fakhroo emphasized the Organizing Committee's dedication to providing all necessary support to ensure the championship is conducted splendidly, leaving a lasting impression. He expressed his delight at the large number of officials, players, and coaches from across Asia in Doha for the championship, considering it a testament to the event's success before it even begins.
Doha will host the General Assembly of the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) on February 19, headed by President Mohamed Salem Al Nuaimi, on the sidelines of the three Asian championships.
The meeting will address various topics related to the future of snooker and review numerous proposals submitted by member countries, making decisions accordingly.
