Hamza sweating over UK visa, work permit

Cueist leaving no stone unturned in timely completion of documents.

KARACHI: Asian snooker champion Hamza Akbar is racing against time to obtain his work permit and UK visa in time to appear in the professional circuit’s first tournament to be played in Latvia from July 29.

The 21-year-old has been running from pillar to post to get the process completed so that he does not miss out on the first competition of his professional career.

The youngster qualified for the illustrious circuit by winning the Asian Championship against India veteran Pankaj Advani and will become the first Pakistani to play in the competition if he makes it.

“I’ve filled out several forms already, but some paperwork is still pending for the initiation of my visa and work permit process,” Hamza told The Express Tribune. “First I had to ask the World Professional Snooker Association for the letter and submitted the membership fee. Then I had to look for a sponsor and now I have that letter as well. However, time is running out and I might miss the event.”

Hamza urged the authorities to help him get everything sorted in time.

If the Faisalabad-based cueist misses out on the first competition, he will then play in Shanghai Masters, which will take place between August and September.

“I’ve sent my entry in Shanghai Masters as well, where my chances of playing seem more realistic at the moment.”

Previously, Mohammad Asif also qualified for the professional circuit courtesy of winning the IBSF World Championship, but he did not apply for the membership in time.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2015.

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