Ali, Khamis win at World Snooker Championships

Qatari cueists had a forgettable day at the IBSF World Snooker Championships at the Al Sadd Indoor Hall yesterday.
Only Ali Alobaidli and Khamis Alobaidli registered victories while other three – Mhanaa Alobaidli, Bashar Abdulmajeed and Abdullah Alsuwaidi failed to get going. To start with, Ali Alobaidli began the day on a promising note as he outplayed Hesham Alsaqer of Bahrain 4-0. Then, Khamis Alobaidli beat Mozambique’s Ibrahim Ahamed 4-2.
But the rest of local players were completely outplayed by their opponents. Australia’s Ryan Thomerson scored an easy 4-1 win over Mhanaa Alobaidli, while England’s Oliver Brown beat Bashar Abdulmajeed 4-1. Later’s Ireland Michael Judge cruised past against Abdullah Alsuwaidi Qatar 4-0.
Defending champion Pankaj Advani of India has won all his matches comfortably to cruise into the knockouts, which begins today. Advani, the 15-time world champion, in both Snooker and Billiards, won this title last year in Egypt.
In fact, the 31-year-old is yet to lose a frame in the tournament, while winning 16 frames so far in his convincing victories. Advani is most likely to acquire the top-seed slot for the knockouts.
Over 250 players from 55 countries are competing in the IBSF World Snooker championship, which is being held concurrently for men, women and masters. The 10-day tournament will end on November 29. A total of $16,000 is up for grabs in the men’s event of the championship, being hosted for the first time in the GCC. This is the second World Championship the QBSF is hosting in three months, after the 9-Ball Pool event in August.
The women’s event carries a $6,000 purse while $8,000 is at stake for the master players.