Oman’s cueists struggle on opening day at World Cup of Snooker

MUSCAT: The hum of anticipation was palpable at the Active Oman Centre on Friday as the 2025 World Cup of Snooker singles action began, drawing top cueists from around the globe.

For Oman’s nine-man contingent, however, the first day offered a sobering introduction to the intensity of international competition.

Abdullah Al Raisi was the first home player in action, stepping up against Malaysia’s seasoned Thor Chuan Leong in Group D.

Al Raisi showed glimpses of his skill, crafting a few promising breaks, but ultimately the match slipped away, ending in a 0–3 defeat.

Soon after, Ahmed Al Khusaibi faced Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani in Group E and suffered a similar fate, going down 0–3 despite moments of solid play.

The setbacks, while disappointing, do not end their campaigns.

Al Raisi will return to the table for two pivotal encounters against Qatar’s Ali Al Obaidli and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Noor Zai, while Al Khusaibi will seek redemption against Australia’s Hassan Kirdi before facing Afghanistan’s Mohammad Rais Senzahi.

Both players know that every frame will be crucial if they are to keep Oman’s hopes alive in the group stage.

The rest of the Omani squad is preparing to make its mark in the days ahead. Sadiq Al Farsi will open his campaign in Group F against Hong Kong China’s Chao Hon Man, Poland’s Sebastian Milewski, and Bahrain’s Khalil Busaif, while Hassan Al Harthi faces Hong Kong China’s Nansen Wan, Ukraine’s Mykhailo Larkov, and Bangladesh’s Abdullah Siddiqi in Group G. Haitham Al Mahri will test his skills in Group H against Poland’s Michal Szubarczyk, Australia’s Chi Kin Yeung, and India’s Dhvaj Haria, and Hussain Al Lawati takes on one of the toughest assignments in Group M against Bahrain’s Hesnam Alsacer, Hong Kong China’s Chang Yu Kiu, and Indian snooker legend and former world champion Pankaj Advani.

Taha Bashir opens Group N against France’s Nicolas Mortreu, England’s Harvey Chandler, and Egypt’s Mohammed Abdelkader, while Qasim Al Balushi faces Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif, India’s Aditya Mehta, and Indonesia’s Gibi Putra in Group R. Musalim Al Mashali will round out the home contingent in Group S against China’s Ding Haohui, Egypt’s Hesham Shawky, and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Zarif Afzali.