Mina Awad Claims 2026 All-Africa Snooker Championship and Secures World Snooker Tour Card
Egypt’s Mina Awad has earned professional status after defeating South Africa’s Charl Jonck 6–5 in a dramatic final to win the 2026 All-Africa Snooker Championship.
The victory sees Awad secure a coveted two-year World Snooker Tour card for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Held in South Africa and organised by the African Billiards & Snooker Confederation (ABSC), the championship featured a field of 50 players from across the continent, all competing for the prestigious title and a place on the professional tour.
Awad enjoyed an impressive campaign from start to finish. He progressed through the group stage with four consecutive victories before producing dominant performances in the knockout rounds. Whitewash wins over Graeme Britten and Bilal Elyas booked his place in the quarter-finals, where he defeated Amir Al-Tahtawy 5–3. He then overcame Hesham Shawky 6–3 to reach the championship match.
Awaiting him in the final was South Africa’s Charl Jonck, who had already enjoyed success on home soil after winning the Seniors event earlier in the week. Jonck secured his place in the title match with an impressive 6–4 victory over reigning Six-Reds champion Abdelrahman Shahin, leaving him just one win away from earning professional status himself.
The best-of-11-frame final proved to be a fitting conclusion to the championship, with both players producing high-quality snooker throughout a closely contested encounter. Neither competitor was able to establish a decisive advantage, but Awad held his nerve in the deciding stages to edge a thrilling 6–5 victory and lift the continental title.
By claiming the All-Africa Championship, Mina Awad not only becomes the continental champion but also earns his place on the World Snooker Tour for the next two seasons. It is a landmark achievement for the Egyptian cueist and another significant moment for African snooker as its presence on the professional stage continues to grow.
Everyone at Pinnacle Sport congratulates Mina Awad on his outstanding achievement and wishes him every success as he embarks on his professional career on the World Snooker Tour.
