Alkass English
DOHA, Qatar — The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation has finalized preparations to host the World 10-Ball Billiards Championship, bringing together 256 players from 44 countries in the Qatari capital from October 19 to 29.
The prestigious tournament, set to take place at the Ezdan Plus Hotel, will feature former world champions and some of the highest-ranked players on the international circuit, alongside leading officials from international billiards federations.
The championship marks Qatar’s third consecutive year hosting the global 10-ball event, following the country’s successful bid to secure hosting rights for five consecutive editions from 2024 through 2028.
Mubarak Al-Khayarin, executive director of the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation, confirmed that all organizational arrangements had been completed, expressing confidence that the tournament would deliver a high standard of competition and organization.
Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al-Khayarin highlighted the federation’s experience in staging major international billiards and snooker competitions, noting that the previous two editions had achieved considerable success in both organizational and technical terms.
He added that preparations were progressing smoothly, with the federation aiming to deliver another outstanding championship that reflects Qatar’s reputation as a host of major international sporting events.
Mohammed Al-Rumaihi, president of the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation, will chair the Supreme Organizing Committee. Yaqoub Fakhro, a member of the federation’s board of directors, has been appointed tournament director, while fellow board member Mohsen Boukchicha will serve as deputy tournament director.
Two Stages to Determine the Championship Field
The tournament will be contested across two stages, with 256 players representing 44 countries competing for a place in the final phase.
The opening stage, scheduled for October 19–24, will feature players seeking to secure one of 16 qualifying places in the second stage. A total of 112 players will qualify directly for the second stage based on the international rankings, while the remaining competitors will battle through the opening phase.
The second and final stage will run from October 24–29, bringing together 128 players, including the directly qualified competitors and the 16 players advancing from Stage 1.
The format is expected to provide an intense opening week, as emerging contenders and established international names compete for progression to the championship’s decisive rounds.
Five Qatari Players Set for Stage 2
Qatar will have five representatives in the second stage: Ali Al-Obaidli, Meshaal Al-Ali, Mansour Al-Obaidli, Bashar Hussein and Abdul Latif Al-Fawwal.
Their participation offers the home nation a strong presence in the main draw as they face an international field featuring some of the sport’s leading talents.
Meanwhile, 29 Qatari and resident players will compete in Stage 1, aiming to secure one of the 16 available qualification places and join the elite field in the tournament’s concluding phase.
The local contingent will be seeking to capitalize on home conditions and the opportunity to compete against top-level international opposition.
Qatar Strengthens Its Position on the Global Billiards Stage
Qatar’s continued hosting of the World 10-Ball Billiards Championship underscores the country’s commitment to developing cue sports and attracting major international competitions.
With hosting rights secured through 2028, the federation has an opportunity to build on the success of previous editions while strengthening the tournament’s profile among players, officials and fans worldwide.
As competition gets underway in Doha, attention will turn to the international contenders chasing the world title and the Qatari players hoping to make a significant impact on home soil.
With 256 competitors, 44 nations and a two-stage format culminating on October 29, the championship promises 11 days of high-level 10-ball action in the Qatari capital.