World Championship star crestfallen after old snooker hub obliterated | Other | Sport

Hossein Vafaei revealed his heartbreak after a snooker academy was destroyed in his native Iran. The Prince of Persia is providing inspiration to youngsters in his homeland with his play up to and during the World Championship.

Vafaei practised at Iran’s National Snooker Academy Centre himself as he built his career and has been upset the facility has been affected by conflict. The 31-year-old has had some good news from government chiefs about repair work, but he said: “It’s so sad.

“That was a place where I became a good snooker player. It was the camp of the Iran national team.

“I don’t know what’s going on right now over there, how is it, what’s the situation, what players are doing, what’s they’re not doing. It’s just a tough moment.

“I’ve been in contact with the sports minister of Iran and they’re going to rebuild the academy.

“A lot of young players are practicing in the camp, the government let them play there for free. This is the place where people become good snooker players.

“When I go to Iran, I always go there to see the guys and see if I can help them with their games when they go for the Asian Championship or World Amateur, give them a few tips, so, hopefully, they can perform better and bring the medal for the country.”

Vafaei’s run to the quarter-finals at the Crucible, which included a win over World No.1 Judd Trump, was a special effort given his desire to put smiles on faces in his country at the Worlds.

He added: “I’m very proud because from where I was yesterday to where I am now the future is bright. I am better than a few months ago and I’ve not done bad for the last months. I changed my bad season to a not bad season. Hopefully next season I’ll come back stronger.

“I will never give up until I put my hand on that trophy. I will win it one day. I think everyone knows that as well. I just need to work harder and harder on my game.

“I just need a little bit of confidence which I have got in this tournament. Hopefully next season I’m going to show a better performance.”

Vafaei may have been pleased at his showing, but he was less than happy at the scheduling in Sheffield.

He said: “It was absolutely very difficult. After my match with Judd, the next day I had to come and play and I was so heavy.

“It was too much snooker, to be honest with you. I couldn’t perform. You’re not hungry. You want to go for it, but if you play too much snooker then you don’t want to see the table.

“At least you need one day off. It was very tough. I don’t want to make excuses. I’m just saying my opinion about this.”

*Craig Swan is covering the 2026 World Snooker Championship from the Crucible for the Daily Record