- Iranian snooker player Hossein Vafaei, ranked world number 32, has reached the World Championship quarter-finals, marking a significant achievement in his career.
- Vafaei secured his quarter-final spot by defeating world number one Judd Trump 13-12 in a tense deciding frame on Monday, following an earlier victory against former semi-finalist Si Jiahui 10-3.
- Nicknamed the “Prince of Persia”, Vafaei revealed he has been mentally affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which initially made him question his participation in tournaments.
- Despite his personal struggles, Vafaei decided to “fight for my people”, using his snooker performance as a way to bring solace and happiness to Iranians worldwide, stating he wants to show the Iran flag is there.
- Vafaei is scheduled to compete against China’s Wu Yize in the quarter-finals, which are set to begin on Tuesday.
IN FULL
Iranian snooker star Hossein Vafaei determined to ‘fight for my people’ at World Championship