Wuhan to Play Host as World Snooker Returns to China

China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
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Wuhan to Play Host as World Snooker Returns to China

China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP

The World Snooker Tour hailed the "momentous announcement" of three tournaments in China this year, including one in Wuhan, as the return of international sport to the country gathers pace.

Almost all international sports events were cancelled in China after Covid emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and they are only just returning after travel curbs were lifted.

The World Snooker Tour will stage the first professional snooker tournament in mainland China in four years with the showpiece Shanghai Masters on September 11-17, the WST said.

That will be followed by the Wuhan Open on October 9-15 and the International Championship in November at a Chinese city yet to be confirmed, AFP reported.

Total prize money for three events combined will be more than £2 million ($2.5 million).

"This is a momentous announcement for our sport as we ramp up our return to staging events in Asia," said WST chairman Steve Dawson.

"Throughout the pandemic we have maintained dialogue and relationships with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association as well as our key partners and promoters across China.

"This has allowed us to make a fast return to staging key events now that travel restrictions have lifted."

In a nod to snooker's popularity in the world's most populous country, Dawson added: "We will continue to explore opportunities to stage further events in China and beyond."



Saudi Arabia Defeats Bahrain 2-0 in 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers

The Saudi national team will continue its training program in Jeddah in preparation for a highly anticipated clash against Australia. SPA
The Saudi national team will continue its training program in Jeddah in preparation for a highly anticipated clash against Australia. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Defeats Bahrain 2-0 in 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers

The Saudi national team will continue its training program in Jeddah in preparation for a highly anticipated clash against Australia. SPA
The Saudi national team will continue its training program in Jeddah in preparation for a highly anticipated clash against Australia. SPA

The Saudi national football team defeated Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday in the ninth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Green Falcons asserted their dominance early in the match, with Musab Al-Juwair opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Abdulrahman Al-Aboud added a second goal in the 77th minute, securing a valuable three points for the national team in their journey toward World Cup qualification.

Saudi fans packed the stands of the Bahrain National Stadium and provided continuous support throughout the game, boosting the team's morale and fueling their determination to win.

The national team will continue its training program in Jeddah in preparation for a highly anticipated clash against Australia in the upcoming round of the Asian qualifiers.