Congratulations to 17-year-old Iranian Hossein Vafaei who today resisted a brave fight-back from Welshman Lee Walker to capture the 2011 IBSF World Championship in Banglaore 10-9 on the final black. Having trailed 7-2 at one stage, it looked like the momentum was with Walker but eventually it was to be Vafaei who would emerge the winner to earn a nomination onto the main tour for 2012/13.
It is a historic triumph for Hossein who earlier this season won the silver medal at the 2011 Asian U-21 Championship, finishing as runner-up to China’s Cao Yupeng in Kish Island as a 16-year-old. Hossein also appeared as a wildcard at this season’s Shanghai Masters tournament, taking a frame off the experienced Fergal O’Brien in a 5-1 defeat.
A member of PJ Nolan’s Champions Academy, Hossein has been tipped by many inside the game as one to watch and now with his place on the main tour secured for next season it will be fascinating to see how he develops.