Monday 19 / January / 2026
MUSCAT: The Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship concluded on Sunday with the crowning of its winners, as Iran’s Siavash Mozayani claimed the snooker title after defeating Iraq’s Ali Hussain 4–3 in an exciting final that went down to the decisive frames. In the billiards competition, Nadeem Gull was crowned champion after edging past Pakistan’s Qadeer Abbas 13–12 in a thrilling final.
The championship, which featured elite players from 20 countries, concluded with an official awards ceremony held under the patronage of Engineer Ahmed Al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. The ceremony was attended by Brigadier Jamal bin Said al Taie, Director General of Financial Affairs at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), Khalid Al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee, Hisham Al Sinani, Director General of Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, along with several sports officials and enthusiasts. The event was hosted at Arena Active Oman Hall at the headquarters of the Oman Automobile Association.
Snooker
The snooker competition witnessed strong competition from the opening rounds through to the finals. Mozayani reached the final after overcoming Pakistan’s Nadeem Gull 4–3 in the semi-finals, while Ali Hussain advanced to the final following a 4–1 victory over Iran’s Amir Hossein Bagheri Fard.
Billiards
The billiards competition was equally intense and competitive.
The semifinals produced thrilling encounters, as Abbas advanced to the final after a convincing 11–6 win over Wissam Dakkak, while Gull reached the final following a tense 11–10 victory against Filipino player Alan Quartiero in a match that went down to the final moments.
Following the finals, Engineer Ahmed Al Amri, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, alongside Khalid bin Khalfan Al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee, crowned the winners.
Afghan player Mohammed Saleh was awarded the Highest Break of the championship with 137 points, while the Best Emerging Young Talents in Oman Snooker award was presented to Mohammed Qasim Al Balushi, Khalid bin Al Waleed Al Balushi, Al Yaman bin Ali Al Balushi, and Ahmed Noman.
Commenting on the event, Khalid Al Subhi, Chairman of the Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee, said that the second edition of the Muscat Nights International Championship achieved great success, with 125 male and female players participating in the billiards and snooker competitions, representing 18 countries, reflecting the growing confidence in the championship and its rising international stature.
Al Subhi noted that the widespread praise received from players and participating delegations confirmed the tournament’s organisational and technical success. He added that the exciting and decisive final matches, attended by the Chairman of Muscat Municipality, added significant value to the championship’s conclusion. He extended his thanks and appreciation to all spectators, players, and everyone who contributed to the success of this edition.
He further explained that this championship, alongside the World Championship previously hosted, represents a significant milestone for local players, helping to raise technical standards and providing valuable international exposure. He clarified that the World Championship is a national teams’ event with around 23 countries participating, while the Muscat Nights Championship is an open tournament, allowing for a greater number of participants in the future.
Al Subhi also revealed the committee’s ambition to increase participation to more than 150 players in the next edition, with the long-term goal of reaching 250 players in future editions. He noted that this expansion may require extending the duration of the tournament as needed. He praised the high organisational standards, quality of facilities, tables and equipment, commended the efforts of committee members and the organising team, Muscat Municipality, and the continued support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, expressing his hope that future editions will be even more successful and distinguished.
