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Bahraini snooker player Husain Mahmood aims to break into the sport professionally and is now cueing up to take on other Arab champions at an upcoming tournament in Dubai next month.
The 24-year-old financial analyst, from Riffa, will be competing in the Arab Snooker Championship, a popular tournament that features players from all over the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
“I’m looking forward to the championship as it will be a whole new realm for me. It’s been a while since I’ve competed in the tournament as I took a break after my successful stint in 2009 to pursue my university degree in the US,” said Mahmood, a member of the Bahrain national team as well as the Bahrain Billiards and Snooker Federation (BBSF). “I’ve now returned to the game and attended a two-week training camp in Belgium along with my other teammates and Bahrain national coach Chris Henry.”
Before attending the camp, he notched some more experience under his belt competing in the European Tour Event One, also known as the Paul Hunter Classic in Stadthalle, Fürth, Germany.
He also made his big debut, after returning from university, taking part in the World Professional Championship qualifiers at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, UK, in May.
The cueist is putting all his focus on the Arab Championship which he is no stranger to as he has taken part in it three times since 2007. In 2009 he finally clinched the Under-21 title.
He said: “My first experience at the Arab Championship was in 2007 in Syria. I was 19 at the time and had just won the senior Bahrain Championship, so I was raring to go.
“I was up against players from countries including Lebanon, Jordan, UAE and Iraq to name a few.
“I had a good start and remained undefeated until the semi-finals. It was upsetting to lose in the semi-final although I did get a bronze medal.
“I was adamant it wouldn’t happen again so I trained harder than my usual five to six hours a day. The following year I competed in the championship in Qatar. Once again I lost in the semi-final and returned disheartened.
“In 2009 I got my revenge, so to speak, going up against the defending champion.
“I was well prepared as I knew what to expect and breezed into the semi-finals. But then I began to feel nervous again. I just hoped that the third time I could be lucky and make it through to the final.
“This championship was very important to me as it would have been my last attempt at getting the gold in the Under-21 as I would be over the age limit next time around.
“With my opponent leading 3-1, my nerves were shot and I needed a break. I spoke with the then Bahrain National team coach Mohammed Ali.
“The pressure was definitely on. He suggested we speak to the former British national coach Nick Barrow. He too had some encouraging words. The break was up and with their words ringing in my head my game changed completely. I managed to turn it around, winning the championship 4-3.
“It was the best moment of my life. My coach was crying; I couldn’t believe I had won and it was all such an emotional experience.
“It was my first international win and I dedicated it to my dad. I was ranked number one in the MENA region as I brought home the gold medal and trophy.
“My family, friends and supporters all greeted me at the airport. They came with flowers and my mum Eman was crying. It was a very happy and emotional return.”
BBSF president Shaikh Abdulla bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa then sent Mahmood to watch the Welsh Open in Wales as a gift for his victory. That’s where he also met his favourite snooker player Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ O’Sullivan.
Bahrain’s former national coach Ali said: “He is a very good player. I coached him from when he was only 10 years and have known him to be a dedicated youngster that loved the game with all his heart.
“I could see a future champion in him and it happened in 2009. I can’t wait to see what he does next because I know his dream is to become a professional in the sport.”
Mahmood pretty much grew up in a snooker hall as he used to go shoot pool with his brother Ali, 26, who now works in the family business. However, it all started with billiards.
At the age of seven, he would accompany his brother to the billiards club by their house and spend hours playing the game. Whoever reached home first would then claim victory regardless of who truly won the game.
Eventually, his cousin Rashid introduced him to a snooker club in Hoora called the Golden Triangle and he was hooked. His path into the cue sport took off when he won his first Under-21 tournament at the club. He was the youngest player at the club at that time and had only joined a few months earlier.
Since then he has dedicated all his tournament wins to his 55-year-old father Mahmood, who runs the family business.
He said: “My father used to drive me to the snooker hall everyday and he never complained once. He would drop me off at around 5pm and pick me up at 11pm without fail. He did that for five years, until I got my licence.
“I am very thankful for all that he has done. My entire family has been very encouraging and supportive.
“After this championship I want to become a professional. It’s always been my dream and I won’t stop till I achieve it.”
