Staff Reporter
Doha: Team Qatar’s Ali Al Obaidli produced another outstanding display to claim the gold medal in the 15-red snooker singles competition at the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026, currently taking place in Doha with the participation of around 1,400 male and female athletes from across the Gulf region.
Al Obaidli secured the title after defeating Saudi Arabia’s Ziyad Al Qabbani 3-0 in a dominant final performance, further underlining Qatar’s strong showing in cue sports at the Games.
The Qatari star reached the final after overcoming Kuwait’s Ahmed Abu by the same 3-0 scoreline in the semi-finals, having earlier defeated UAE veteran Mohammed Shehab 3-1 in the quarter-finals. Saudi Arabia’s Al Qabbani settled for silver after beating compatriot Abdullah Al Shamri 3-0 in the semi-finals.
Al Obaidli controlled the final from the outset, displaying remarkable composure and tactical discipline to secure his fourth medal of the tournament. Earlier in the Games, he won gold in the 10-ball billiards doubles event, silver in the 10-ball billiards singles competition and silver in the 6-red snooker singles event.
Speaking after the victory, Al Obaidli expressed pride in winning the title and dedicating the achievement to Qatar and the fans who supported the team throughout the competition.
“I am extremely happy to win the gold medal. The competition was very strong because of the high level of the participating players, but I was determined to give my best and achieve the title,” he said.
He added that the final against Al Qabbani was highly competitive, stressing that maintaining concentration and capitalising on opportunities proved decisive in securing victory.
Al Obaidli noted that winning four medals at the current edition of the GCC Games would serve as strong motivation to continue improving and achieving more success in future competitions. He also thanked the administrative and technical staff, as well as his teammates, for their continued support and praised the excellent organisation of the Games.
Meanwhile, President of the Asian Snooker Federation Mohammed Salem Al Nuaimi praised Al Obaidli’s achievement, describing it as a source of pride for Gulf snooker.
“We congratulate champion Ali Al Obaidli on this deserved achievement following a distinguished performance throughout the tournament. He proved his ability to compete at the highest level, and this success reflects the strong support provided to Qatari sport,” Al Nuaimi said.
He also commended the organisation of the 4th GCC Games Doha 2026, highlighting the tremendous efforts made by the organising committee and the positive atmosphere witnessed across all venues.
Al Nuaimi added that participating delegations had praised the outstanding organisation, Qatari hospitality and enthusiastic fan support, noting that Doha continues to reinforce its status as a leading sporting capital capable of hosting major continental and international events.
Elsewhere, the trap shooting competitions got underway at the Lusail Shooting Complex with intense contests in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Kuwait’s Talal Al Rashidi topped the men’s standings with 72 targets, while Qatar’s Mohammed Al Rumaihi ranked second with 71 targets alongside Kuwait’s Abdulrahman Al Faihan.
In the women’s competition, Qatar’s Maytha Al Buainain led the standings with 66 targets ahead of Kuwait’s Shahad Al Hawal with 65, while Qatar’s Nawal Al Khalaf placed third with 63.
Team Qatar also excelled in the team events. In the men’s competition, the Qatari trio of Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Angelo Scalzoni and Saeed Abu Shareb finished first with 209 targets ahead of Kuwait and the UAE.
In the women’s team category, Team Qatar — represented by Maytha Al Buainain, Khulood Al Khalaf and Ray Bassil — topped the standings with 186 targets, narrowly ahead of Kuwait and Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Team Qatar’s padel team continued their impressive run after recording a second consecutive 3-0 victory, this time against Kuwait at the Aspire padel courts.
The duo of Mishari Nawaf and Rashid Nawaf won the opening match 6-2, 6-0, while Mohammed Saadoun and Hassan Wali secured another straight-sets victory 7-6, 6-1. Mohammed Al Khanji and Ryan Al Jufairi completed the clean sweep in the third match.
The victory followed Qatar’s earlier 3-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia, with the defending champions now preparing to face Bahrain as they continue their quest to retain the gold medal won at the previous GCC Games in Kuwait.
