Iran’s Vafaei eyes world snooker glory amid conflict back home
Iranian snooker player Hossein Vafaei said he is competing at the World Snooker Championship to bring pride to his country
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iranian snooker player Hossein Vafaei said he is competing at the World Snooker Championship to bring pride to his country despite the emotional toll of ongoing conflict back home.
The 32-year-old secured his place at the Crucible Theatre for a fifth consecutive year after defeating China’s Gao Yang 10-4 in the final qualifying round. He is set to face Si Jiahui, a 2023 semifinalist, with a potential second-round clash against world No. 1 Judd Trump if he advances.
Vafaei said it has been difficult to focus on competition amid the situation in Iran following the escalation of conflict in late February.
“It’s been very difficult, very, very difficult,” he said. “My family is safe now. I am fighting for my country and my family; I am doing my best and giving everything I can.”
Ranked 32nd in the world, Vafaei reached the last 16 at the tournament in 2023 and 2025. Known as the “Persian Prince,” he also made history in 2022 by becoming the first Iranian to win a world-ranking snooker event.
He said the ongoing tensions — which began after strikes involving the United States and Israel on Feb. 28 — have weighed heavily on him, making concentration difficult.
“You get a bad text in the day and you can’t focus on your job. How can I focus?” he said in remarks reported by BBC.
Despite the challenges, Vafaei said he hopes his performance can lift spirits in Iran.
“If I do well, if they can see me play … it will be a proud moment,” he said.
The player, who hails from Abadan in southwestern Iran, missed the start of the season due to a shoulder injury that affected his form after returning to competition. He said an intensive physiotherapy program helped him recover, though he acknowledged it has been a difficult year both mentally and physically.
At last year’s championship, Vafaei defeated Barry Hawkins in the opening round before losing 13-10 to Mark Williams in the round of 16.
He said he remains determined to give his best performance despite the circumstances.
“I’m fighting as well for my country, for my family,” he said.
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