SPA — The World Billiards Championship quarterfinals wrapped up on July 25 at the Green Halls in Jeddah, delivering intense, high-level competition. Four top players have now secured their places in Saturday’s semifinals, continuing one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
Reigning champion Fedor Gorst of the USA, a two-time winner (2019, 2024), maintained his strong form with an 11–4 win over Jeffrey Roda of the Philippines. In a close match, Albanian contender Klenti Kaci edged past Iraq’s Amir Ali, finishing 11–9.
The biggest upset came from Bernie Regalario of the Philippines. He stunned 2023 world champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain with a decisive 11–4 victory. Meanwhile, 2017 world champion Carlo Biado, also from the Philippines, defeated Taiwan’s Ko Ping Chung 11–7. These results mark a strong showing for Filipino players at the tournament.
Semifinals Set for Saturday in Jeddah
Saturday’s semifinal matches begin with an all-Filipino showdown between Regalario and Biado at 1:00 p.m. Next, Gorst will face Kaci at 3:00 p.m. The winners of both matches will advance to the final, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The final will follow the “Round 6 – Race to 15” format.
The Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, and Matchroom organize the tournament. Now in its second consecutive year in Saudi Arabia, the event highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in hosting global sports competitions under Vision 2030.
THE SAUDI STANDARD’S VIEW: Global Billiards Thrives in Jeddah’s Sporting Arena
The successful World Billiards Championship quarterfinals in Jeddah underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a hub for international sports. With elite players from around the globe competing in the Green Halls, the event reflects not just sporting excellence but also the Kingdom’s strategic investment in diverse sports programming under Vision 2030.
- Jeddah as a world-stage city: Hosting the championship for the second year running shows growing global trust in Saudi Arabia’s venues, logistics, and audience engagement. The smooth delivery confirms the Kingdom’s ability to host high-profile, multi-national events.
- Billiards’ global appeal on display: The tournament brings together top talent from the USA, the Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, Iraq, and Albania. This international mix boosts billiards’ visibility and encourages cultural exchange through sport.
- Institutional backing and sectoral growth: The involvement of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation shows strong policy support. These efforts help build Saudi Arabia’s sports economy, generate tourism, and encourage young people to explore new disciplines.
- Pathway to broader sports diplomacy: Hosting global events helps Saudi Arabia strengthen soft power and expand international ties. The tournament demonstrates how sports can serve as a tool for diplomacy while inspiring domestic audiences and diversifying the economy.
As the semifinals and final approach, Saudi Arabia proves once again its ability to deliver major, well-organized global events. The Kingdom’s evolving sports ecosystem adds not only entertainment value but also contributes directly to national development goals.
