Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters: Local talents break records on historic first day in Riyadh

• The World Snooker Tour's new major championship is officially underway in Saudi Arabia
• Friday Round 1 action saw seven Saudi players in action alongside snooker legend Jimmy White, former world champion Ken Doherty, and women's world no.1 Mink Nutcharut
• 14-year-old Ziyad Al Qabbani made first WST appearance on home soil on same day Najla Al Naimi became the first woman to officiate a professional match in the Kingdom

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 31 August 2024: 
Snooker fans and live sports enthusiasts witnessed a historic opening day of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters on Friday, as the World Snooker Tour's (WST) new major championship got underway in the best possible fashion at the Green Halls, Riyadh. 
 
As the biggest international ranking event in WST history and the first ever staged in the Kingdom, the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters represents the start of a new era for professional snooker locally and internationally. Running until September 7, this year's inaugural edition welcomes 144 of the world's best players with the coveted title and vital world ranking points on offer.
 
Reflecting on the significance of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters' highly anticipated debut, Dr. Nasser Al Shamri, President of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, said: 'This historic event is already presenting never-before-seen opportunities for our talent and fans across the Kingdom – we're delighted that they can finally experience and be a part of such a prestigious tournament right here in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters marks a new era for snooker nationwide and across the region – and it's an exciting time for everyone connected with the sport.'
 
Already a monumental occasion in the Saudi capital, audiences witnessed some incredible moments across the Round 1 action where 62 players competed across 31 matches – including seven players from the Kingdom. 
 
Tipped to be one of Saudi Arabia's future snooker stars, 14-year-old Ziyad Al Qabbani made his first WST appearance on home soil against 2023 World Junior Champion Stan Moody from England. While falling short in his maiden ranking event match, Al Qabbani ¬– the youngest player in the tournament – revealed it was a dream come true to play against high-caliber players and that he looks forward to his future in the sport. 
 
Elsewhere on Day 1 of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, women's world no. 1 Mink Nutcharut from Thailand progressed to the second round with a 4-2 win over Libya's Kusai Hamed. Her encounter highlighted the opportunities for female professionals to compete in major tournaments while snooker legend Jimmy White and former world champion Ken Doherty were also in action.