Tuesday 13 / January / 2026
Mark Anthony was crowned champion of the seventh edition of the Oman Open Billiards Championship, which concluded yesterday, while Omani player Mohammed Al Balushi finished runner-up. The tournament witnessed wide international participation with 64 players from various countries, delivering high technical standards and strong competition at Arena Active Oman Hall.
The championship featured a distinguished group of international stars, led by Mark Anthony, Mehran Ershadi, Qadir Abbas, and Nadeem Gul, alongside players from different nationalities, which significantly raised the technical level and competitive intensity throughout the event.
Omani players also made a strong impression, with Khalid Al Shubaibi, Mohammed Al Hassani, Fahd Al Maqbali, and Nasser Al Henai qualifying for the Round of 16, reflecting the steady development of local players and their growing ability to compete with international professionals.
In the final, Mark Anthony claimed the title after defeating Mohammed Al Balushi by 13–2, in a match that highlighted the technical gap between the two players. Despite the loss, Al Balushi delivered an impressive run to reach the final, earning well-deserved recognition for his performance.
The Oman Billiards and Snooker Committee stated that the organisation of the Oman Open forms part of its ongoing strategy to develop the sport, enhance players’ technical exposure, and attract international participation, contributing to the overall growth of billiards in Oman.
The Committee also praised the management of Arena Active Oman for their excellent hosting and organisation of the event, and commended all players, officials, referees, and media representatives for their efforts in ensuring the tournament’s success. The event came at a key time, coinciding with the launch of the Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship, further reinforcing Muscat’s growing reputation as a regional and international hub for cue sports.
In a related development, the Muscat Nights International Billiards and Snooker Championship kicks off this evening (Wednesday), with 125 male and female players from 18 countries competing for a total prize pool of OMR 6,770, OMR 3,420 for snooker and OMR 3,350 for billiards. The tournament runs from 14 to 18 January. It follows international professional formats, including group stages and knockout rounds through to the finals, reflecting the high organisational standards and strong level of competition that continue to position Muscat as a leading destination for international billiards and snooker events.
