Egypt’s Hatem Yassen won the All-African Snooker Championship for a second time in dramatic circumstances this year, and is now gearing himself up for another crack at the sport's top tier.
The 38-year-old beat Abdel Shaheen 6-5 in the final in in Johannesburg in August to double his tally of All-African titles, having first lifted the trophy in 2015. This time the final came down to the last black in the deciding frame, and a brilliant long pot from Yassen gave him victory.
"Winning the African Championship for a second time felt amazing, especially as I was two frames down with three to play in the final," he recalls. "Claiming the title also felt extra special as it happened on my birthday. It was the best gift I could have wished for. I was extremely proud of the way I handled myself during the final. My opponent was playing very well and made a couple of centuries. I had to rely on my experience to remain calm and composed. I knew I would eventually get opportunities so I had to be in the right state of mind to seize them. It has to be my greatest snooker achievement so far, but I am still hungry for more titles."
Yassen played on the pro tour from 2015 to 2017 and is now looking forward to a return to the main circuit, having earned a two-year card for 2024/25 and 2025/26. "I will fly to the UK later this month to take part in as many tournaments as I possibly can," he said. "During my first run on the tour, I was younger and less experienced. But I have seen up close and personal how the pros live, breathe and even dream snooker. I have had to learn certain things the hard way. I am now older with a lot more experience and I believe I can do well enough this time around to maintain my place on the tour. I am definitely a much better player now. My tactical game has to be my strongest asset but when the opportunity presents itself I can make frame-winning breaks."
In Egypt, Yassen works as a researcher in the supreme court. But he is determined to make the most of his potential on the baize. He added: "My short term ambition is to play and win enough matches to maintain my place on the tour, then who knows what else might lie ahead. Snooker has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember."
