Habib Sabah Carries Bahrain’s Hopes in World Snooker Masters

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The Masters event enters knockout stages as Bahrain’s top player advances  

The World Snooker Championship Masters has reached a pivotal point as the competition heads into its decisive knockout rounds this week in Manama, Bahrain. Hosted at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre at the Crowne Plaza, the event runs until July 24, under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, first deputy chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and president of the General Sports Authority and Bahrain Olympic Committee.

With the tournament drawing top cueists from across the world, the spotlight is now firmly on Bahrain’s Habib Sabah, who remains the sole local player still in contention.

A Return Two Decades in the Making

This year’s tournament is Bahrain’s first time hosting the World Championship in 20 years, with the last edition held in 2005. Reflecting on the occasion, Monther Al Basri, president of the Bahrain Billiard Sports and Darts Federation, underlined the national significance of the event.

“This tournament comes at a critical time in Bahrain’s sporting development. Under the guidance of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and with the support of the General Sports Authority and Olympic Committee, Bahrain has shown it is both willing and able to host world-class sporting events,” Al Basri said.

“Organising a tournament of this scale in such a short timeframe was no easy task, but we’ve received positive feedback across the board — from the level of organisation to the quality of the tables, which are central to the sport.”

“For our players, especially the younger ones, this is a valuable learning experience. Competing against the world’s best and seeing their level up close is key to developing local talent. We’re proud of what Habib Sabah has already achieved and are hopeful he can bring home a medal that reflects Bahrain’s growing presence in the sport.”

Sabah Stands Alone

World super champion Habib Sabah topped his group, securing his spot in the second round of the Masters category. His next challenge is against India’s Rashabh Jain, as the Bahraini looks to extend his run on home soil ahead of the Six Red competition, which follows the Masters bracket.

Meanwhile, Younes Saqr, Hamed Dheif, and Mohammed Al Shaikh were all eliminated in the second round. Saqr fell to Mohammed Al Joker of the UAE (1–3), Dheif was defeated by Jain (0–3), and Al Shaikh lost to Iraq’s Ali Hussein (1–3). Despite their exits, the trio showed flashes of quality against a strong field.

International Contenders Advance

Elsewhere in the second round, India’s Manan Chandra comfortably defeated Kuwait’s Ammar Taqi in straight frames (3–0), while Iraq’s Firas Kamil edged Sri Lanka’s Susantha (4–2) in one of the tighter contests. Qatar’s Bashar Abdulmajid overcame Pakistan’s Shahid Aftab (4–2), and fellow Qatari Ahmed Saif battled past Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Asiri (3–2) in a tense five-frame match.

Pakistan’s Mohammed Asif, a former world champion, eased past Wales’ Tony Morgan in straight frames (3–0), continuing his efficient run through the bracket.

All Eyes on the Host Nation’s Star

With only one Bahraini left in the Masters draw, the pressure and attention turn to Habib Sabah. His strong group-stage performance and recovery from injury earlier this year have positioned him as a genuine title contender.