Iranian snooker player Hossein Vafaei has made a remarkable run at the 2026 World Snooker Championship, defeating world No. 1 Judd Trump. Vafaei aims to bring joy to his country amidst the ongoing war in Iran.
Mentioned in this story
Hossein Vafaei during his match against Si Jiahui on day six of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England, Thursday April 23, 2026. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hossein Vafaei during his match against Si Jiahui on day six of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England, Thursday April 23, 2026. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hossein Vafaei has defeated former semifinalist Si Jiahui and world No. 1 Judd Trump, securing his place in the quarterfinals.
Vafaei has expressed mixed emotions about competing, feeling both the pressure of the ongoing war and a desire to represent and bring happiness to his people.
Vafaei will compete against Wu Yize of China in the quarterfinals starting Tuesday.
Vafaei hopes to make his fellow Iranians happy and raise awareness of their struggles through his success in snooker.
Borussia Dortmund's academy has successfully integrated young talents like Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inacio into the first team, showcasing a commitment to youth development. Academy director Paul Schaffran emphasizes the hope this brings to the club's future.
Chelsea's Liam Delap is set to fight for his place amid transfer rumors.
Iowa Football Evaluates Candidates for Return Specialist Role
Moncho Monsalve, leyenda del baloncesto español, ha fallecido a los 81 años.
Defending champions PSG take on Bayern Munich in a crucial Champions League semifinal.
Leaked VAR audio reveals controversy in Inter Milan's defeat to Roma.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
England's Judd Trump, left, during his match with Iran's Hossein Vafaei, right, on day ten of the World Snooker Championship 2026, in Sheffield, England, Monday April 27, 2026. (Nigel French/PA via AP)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hossein Vafaei during his match against Si Jiahui on day six of the World Snooker Championship 2026 at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, England, Thursday April 23, 2026. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Iranian snooker player Hossain Vafaei hopes he can bring some happiness to his nation during his emotion-filled run at the world championship that has already seen him oust the sportâs No. 1 player, Judd Trump. Vafaei, the world No. 32 nicknamed the âPrince of Persia,â said he has been âall over the placeâ mentally in recent months during the Iran war, questioning whether he should even be competing in tournaments. Yet he decided he wanted to âfight for my peopleâ and came through qualifying to reach the world championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where he thrashed former semifinalist Si Jiahui 10-3 in the biggest upset of the first round. On Monday, Vafaei secured perhaps the biggest victory of his career by keeping his cool in a final-frame decider to beat Trump 13-12 and reach the quarterfinals for the first time. âI donât know (whether) to be happy. I donât know (whether) to be sad,â Vafaei said. âI donât know what to do. âItâs just, this is the only thing I can do. With my cue, I can do something for them to make them happy at least. To show that the Iran flag is there ... and you still canât raise it.â Vafaei said he has found it hard to focus on snooker because of concerns about the safety of his family during the war. âI was getting sometimes sad, with whatâs happening,â he said. âAnd I donât want to open up, but yes, I decided to fight, fight for my people, and all the Iranians all over the world. âAnd hopefully I can make them happy.â Asked how he felt about representing a wider cause than just being a sportsperson, Vafaei said: âI am not thinking about all this. Everything I am doing is from the bottom of my heart. There are lots of things going on (in Iran). Even if I win the trophy, itâs nothing.â Vafaei will take on Wu Yize of China in the quarterfinals starting Tuesday. \\\_ AP sports: