IBSF World Championship: ‘Countries still reluctant to come to Pakistan’

Hamza Akbar makes his way into the knockout stages

KARACHI: Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association’s (PBSA) Alamgir Sheikh has said that European countries are reluctant to travel to Pakistan for next year’s World Championship.

PBSA is expected to host the championship, which includes 6-Red, ladies event, team championship, in August 2015 and Sheikh said that the association is working on getting rid of the feeling of fear among the delegates.

Sheikh is currently in India for the ongoing IBSF World Championship and is expecting a positive outcome after the executive meeting of snooker’s world body.

“My main purpose for traveling to India is to try and get the finalised dates for the World Championships,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “The month of August is final so the dates are the only issue. In addition, there are some reservations among the European countries regarding traveling to Pakistan next year as per their travel advisory. However, I’ve spoken on a one-to-one basis with various delegates as we want to host a successful and secure championship.”

The official hoped that this issue will be settled after IBSF’s executive body meeting.

 

Hamza moves into last-64

Hamza Akbar bagged his fourth victory in Group C after edging Scotland’s Michael Collumb 4-3, which sealed his progress into the last-64 phase.

The 21-year-old won with a scoreline of 25-61, 85-14, 81-42, 20-94(90), 60-46, 52-60 and 76-05(56).

Meanwhile, Muhammad Sajjad, who is already through to the knockout stages, beat Sweden’s Farhan Mirza in straight frames, conceding only 24 points across the four frames.

Sajjad, who was a losing semifinalists in last year’s world championship, triumphed by 67-07, 57-01, 66-09 and 50-07.

On the other hand, Muhammad Asif Toba also closed in on qualifying for the next stage after beating Iran’s Soheil Vahedi 4-1 with scores of 35-78(70), 66-56, 67-17, 54-13 and 67-60.

“Asif Toba was brilliant in a tough match against Vahedi and has played well so far,” said Sheikh. “But as far as Sajjad and Hamza are concerned, I believe they are yet to play to their best and hopefully they will improve their play as the event progresses.”

 

 

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