intense Competition Heats Up as IBSF World Cup of snooker Reaches Knockout Phase in Muscat
The IBSF World Cup of Snooker is entering its decisive stages in Muscat, Oman, with the Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarterfinal matches set to determine the contenders for the title.The tournament, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman and running until November 23rd, has been lauded by players for its extraordinary organisation and high-quality facilities.
Following a second day of group stage play, numerous players secured vital wins to advance to the knockout rounds.Qatar’s Ali al Obaidli defeated Oman’s Abdullah al Raisi 3-1, while malaysia’s Thor chuan Leong was victorious against Afghanistan’s Mohammad Noor Zai. In Group E, Iran’s Siyavosh mozayani narrowly beat Afghanistan’s Mohammad rais Senzahi 3-2, and Australia’s Hassan kerdee achieved a 3-0 win over Oman’s Ahmed al Khusaibi.
Further group stage results saw Hong Kong China’s Chau Hon Man defeat Bahrain’s Khalil Busaif 3-0, and Poland’s Sebastian Milewski overcome Oman’s Sadiq al Farsi 3-1.China’s Deng Haohui defeated Afghanistan’s Mohammad Zarif Afzali, and Egypt’s Hesham Shawky won 3-0 against Oman’s Musallam al Masahli.
Additional wins were claimed by Poland’s Michal Szubarczyk, Australia’s Chi Kin Yeung, India’s Brijesh Damani, Bahrain’s Habib Sabah, and India’s Hussain Khan. In Group L, UAE’s mohamed Shehab defeated Iraq’s Ali Hussein, while egypt’s Mina Awadi edged France’s Gauvain Bazin 3-2. India’s Pankaj Advani and hong Kong China’s Chang Yu Kiu both secured straight-frame victories.
Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou,Qatar’s Ahmed Saif,UAE’s Khalid Kamali,Australia’s Adrian Ridley,Pakistan’s Muhammad asif,and India’s Aditya Mehta also continued their winning streaks. Hong Kong China’s Nansen Wan, Ukraine’s Mykhailo Larkov, Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh, and Türkiye’s Enes Bakirci concluded the day with strong performances in their respective groups.
Players have consistently praised the tournament’s setup. Hong Kong’s Chang Yu Kiu highlighted the modern venue, comfortable playing conditions, and professional table and lighting standards. UAE’s Mohammed Mostafa Shehab, a former world title holder, described the organisation in Muscat as “exceptional and fully integrated,” noting the high-quality tables and facilities. He believes this edition of the tournament is particularly competitive, with approximately 16 serious title contenders.
Oman’s Husain al Lawati expressed pride in his country hosting the event, stating the facilities and organisation meet top international standards and provide a valuable development possibility for Omani players.
The singles competition will conclude on Wednesday, before transitioning to the team event, which will run until November 23rd.
