UAE snooker team finalised after national qualifiers; four players selected
UAE snooker team finalised after national qualifiers; four players named as West Asia Championship in Bahrain is postponed and the federation keeps the squad training.
The UAE snooker team has been finalised following a national classification tournament that produced three qualifiers and confirmed a previously secured berth, readying the squad for upcoming regional competitions.
Khalid Al-Kamali, Abdulrahman Al-Shamsi and Mohammed Al-Jowkar earned places through a two-stage qualifying event, joining Mohamed Shehab to complete the four-player roster.
Selection confirmed after two-stage national classification
The selection process concluded with a classification tournament staged over two phases under the Emirates Billiards and Snooker Federation.
Top finishes across both stages determined the three new additions to the national squad, while Mohamed Shehab’s prior qualification left the team at the required four-player size.
The federation said the event followed established selection criteria aimed at producing a competitive UAE snooker team for regional duty.
Officials emphasised match-play form and consistency across the two phases as decisive factors in nominating the final trio of qualifiers.
Names and routes to the national squad
Khalid Al-Kamali secured his place by finishing among the top three in the classification standings, demonstrating strong break-building and tactical play.
Abdulrahman Al-Shamsi and Mohammed Al-Jowkar rounded out the qualifiers after advancing through each stage and finishing second and third respectively.
Mohamed Shehab was already guaranteed a spot prior to the classification event, bringing experience to the four-player unit.
Together the quartet represents a blend of veteran leadership and rising domestic form as the UAE prepares for the regional calendar.
West Asia Championship in Bahrain postponed
During the classification, the Emirates federation received official notification from the West Asia Billiards and Snooker body that the West Asia Championship in Bahrain, originally scheduled for late August, has been postponed to a later date.
The federation confirmed the decision came from the regional organiser and that a revised timetable will be announced when available.
The postponement means the UAE snooker team will not travel to Bahrain on the previously planned dates, allowing additional preparation time.
Federation officials said the delay provides an opportunity to refine tactics and maintain player readiness ahead of the updated competition schedule.
Federation intent: readiness and continuity
Mohammad Abdullah, supervisor of the UAE snooker team, said the federation pressed ahead with the classification despite the postponement to ensure selection was complete and players remained match-ready.
He noted that holding the tournament preserved competitive momentum and ensured clarity around squad composition ahead of any new dates or alternate events.
The federation stressed that continuity in training and selection helps preserve the national team’s competitive standards.
Officials outlined plans for continued practice sessions and domestic match play to keep the selected players sharp for regional and international assignments.
Preparation plans and next steps for the squad
With the four-player roster set, the federation will focus on targeted training camps, match simulations and tactical drills designed to address areas identified during the classification.
Physical conditioning, shot selection practice and scenarios reflecting tournament pressure are expected to feature prominently in the programme.
Coaches will also monitor potential invitations to other regional tournaments and maintain communication with the West Asia organisers about new dates.
The squad’s technical staff indicated they will adapt preparations depending on official scheduling, prioritising readiness and competitive form.
Regional implications and expectations
The postponement of the West Asia Championship affects several national programmes across the region, but UAE officials said the delay will not alter long-term development plans.
The UAE snooker team’s selection reflects growing domestic depth and the federation’s commitment to maintaining competitive representation at regional championships.
Observers note that the chosen quartet combines experience and recent domestic performance, giving the UAE a balanced entry when the regional calendar resumes.
Federation sources added that the team will also be assessed for discipline, international eligibility and match preparedness ahead of any eventual travel.
The UAE snooker team now heads into a period of consolidation and refinement, with national coaches and selectors focused on converting domestic results into regional competitiveness.
The federation affirmed it will announce further details on training schedules and any international participation as soon as the West Asia organisers confirm revised dates.
