Epic showdown at 2024 All Africa Snooker Championship comes down to last ball

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The grand final saw Egypt dominate once again, with Hatem Yassen against Abdelrahman Shaheen. The 2024 All Africa Snooker Championship delivered one of the most thrilling finals in the tournament’s history, leaving spectators on the edge.

The knockout stages, which kicked off with a major upset, set the tone for an unforgettable event.

In the first round of the last 32, Shakeel Kalideen stunned the snooker world by defeating two-time African champion Mohamed Ibrahem 4–3. This unexpected result opened the tournament, allowing a fresh mix of competitors to enter the spotlight.

As the competition progressed, the quarter-finals saw representation from four nations. Local hopes rested on Mutaliep Allie, Kiashan Moodley, and Michael Davids, who carried the country’s aspirations into the final stages. However, the experienced Egyptian contingent, including Hatem Yassen, Hesham Shawky, Abdelrahman Shaheen, as well as Morocco’s Naitali Mourad, and Mozambique’s Mahommed Idrissi, posed formidable challenges.

The semi-finals turned into a South Africa versus Egypt showdown. Allie faced off against the 2015 African champion, Yassen, and Moodley took on Shaheen. The Egyptians showcased their dominance, advancing both of their players to the final and securing the championship for Egypt.

The grand finale featured a thrilling match between Yassen and Shaheen which will be remembered for years to come. Both players brought their A-game to the table, delivering a masterclass in snooker that captivated audiences both in the arena and at home. Shaheen took an early lead with the tournament’s highest break, a remarkable 122 clearance in the second frame, and added another century break to go up 5–3. However, despite being behind, Yassen showed resilience and strategic play, managing to tie the match at 5–5. The title would come down to a nerve-wracking final frame.

In a dramatic conclusion, the deciding frame was a back-and-forth battle that could have gone either way. The match ultimately hinged on the final black ball. After an exceptional long pink shot, Yassen faced a daunting long black into the yellow pocket. In a moment of pure bravery and skill, Yassen sank the final black, clinching the title and his second African Snooker Championship.

With this victory, Yassen secured the prestigious title and was nominated to join the World Snooker Tour (WST) as a professional for the next two seasons. He will join last year’s champion, Mostapha Dorgham, representing Egypt on the world stage.

Spectators agreed this was one of the most entertaining and high-quality finals the tournament had ever seen. Yassen and Shaheen displayed remarkable composure under pressure, and their performances will be remembered as a highlight of African snooker.

Source: citizen.co.za