Kabul: Afghan cueist Salih Mohammad Mohammadi emerged victorious in the second season of the Ariana Snooker Championship after defeating Reza Hosaini 6-4 in a closely contested senior final held on Friday in Kabul.
The championship match featured an entertaining battle between two of Afghanistan’s leading snooker players, with both competitors displaying tactical discipline and technical precision across 10 frames. Mohammadi maintained control during crucial moments of the encounter, producing several notable breaks and consistent shot-making to secure the title.
Hosaini mounted a determined challenge throughout the final, winning four frames and keeping the contest alive until the closing stages. However, Mohammadi’s composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive as he lifted the championship trophy.
In the under-17 category, emerging talent Hasib Sultani defeated Sobhan Asas 4-1 to claim the youth division title. Sultani impressed spectators with his calm demeanour, accurate potting, and tactical awareness, reinforcing his reputation as one of Afghanistan’s promising young snooker players.
The second season of the tournament began on May 11 and featured 32 players from across Afghanistan who qualified through preliminary competitions held in multiple provinces. Matches were played in the increasingly popular six-red snooker format, with both group-stage and knockout fixtures contested over best-of-seven frames.
Snooker has seen rising popularity in Afghanistan in recent years, particularly among younger athletes, as national tournaments continue to attract wider audiences and expanded television coverage. Organizers say the competition aims to develop local talent and provide Afghan players with greater opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Under an agreement with Ariana Radio and Television Network, four additional seasons of the championship are scheduled to be broadcast live nationwide, reflecting growing investment in domestic sporting events.
The inaugural edition of the championship, held in 2025, was won by Naveed Nadery after a dramatic 7–6 victory over Raees Khan Hotak in the final.
