Francisco Completes African Snooker Treble

South Africa’s Peter Francisco defeated fellow ex-professional Wael Talaat in the final to win the 2016 ABSF African Snooker Championship at the Pyramisa Sharm-El-Sheikh resort in Egypt.

A total of 62 players from six different countries took part in this year’s continental event organised by the African Billiards and Snooker Federation.

Former world number 14 Francisco began his campaign by coming top of his group – dropping only a frame in the process – before navigating his way through the knockout rounds where he eliminated Egyptian quartet Mohamed Essam 4-2, Andrew Riad 4-1, Mahmoud Elhareedy 5-1 and Mohamed Ibrahim 5-1 to reach the final.

The final brought together the two most successful players in the tournament’s history. Talaat – also from Egypt – was the winner in 2007, 2009 and 2011, whilst Francisco lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2013.

And it was 54-year-old Francisco who would complete his hat-trick of African Championships, finishing off with an 84 break to record a comfortable 6-1 win.

In the African 6 Reds Championship, Egypt’s Basem Eltahhan defeated countryman Hesham Shawky in the final to claim the title. Both finalists qualify for the SangSom 6 Red World Championship in Thailand next month.

Written and published by Michael Day on the 10th August 2016.