Hossein Vafaei said the prospect of reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 World Snooker Championship was “tickling” him after beating Judd Trump 13-12 in round two on Monday.
The Iranian moved to within one victory of the single table setup at the Crucible Theatre after pipping the world number one in a deciding-frame thriller.
Vafaei, who had twice before lost in the second round in Sheffield, compiled breaks of 106 and 91 in an excellent finish to oust one of the pre-tournament favourites.
The 31 year-old, who was the only qualifier to get beyond the first round after a tremendous 10-3 victory over Si Jiahui, will face Wu Yize in the quarter-finals.
“It’s one of the biggest wins of my career,” reflected Vafaei to the World Snooker Tour.
“Judd was playing well – maybe not that well – but he is a tough opponent. A very, very tough opponent. I don’t know what else to say.”
“I was enjoying it as I was getting over the line. I played really well against Si – he’s one of the good talents from China.
“He was a very tough opponent as well for the first round. I’m just so happy that I’m still in the tournament.”
Vafaei, never shy of an outspoken comment, once labelled the Crucible Theatre as “smelly” and was at times against the World Championship staying at the iconic venue.
But the former Shoot Out champion likened the Crucible to Wimbledon last week, and the support from the crowd is something he is certainly enjoying this year.
There was an electric atmosphere at the end, with Trump gracious in defeat and the audience rising to their feet in appreciation of Vafaei’s achievement of becoming the first Middle Eastern player to reach the last eight in Sheffield.
“The crowd has always been nice with me, and I give it back to them,” Vafaei continued. “I wait in front of the door, signing autographs and taking photos.”
“I respect them as well, and it goes both ways. Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me, and I love you all.
“Because it was a tough match, everyone else was excited as well. In a decider game, it’s tough.
“But to get over the line with everyone clapping very loudly, it was an unbelievable moment for me. I’m going to remember that feeling for the rest of my life.”
Next up for the former world number 15 is Wu Yize, who will likewise be appearing at the quarter-final stage of a World Championship for the first time in his career.
The 22 year-old was a bag of nerves but still managed to hold off four-time world champion Mark Selby with a 13-11 performance.
For both players, it represents a huge opportunity to continue their aspirations of becoming world champion, with the chance of reaching the single table setup now within reach.
“It’s tickling me,” Vafaei said laughing. “It’s going to be a great match for both of us.”
Featured image credit: WST
