India confirm entries for events in Pakistan

PBSA receives cueists’ details from arch-rivals for the mega event

KARACHI: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) received a major boost in their preparations to host the upcoming IBSF World 6-Red and Team Championships as arch-rivals India became the first nation to confirm their entries for the August 6-15 event.

The Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) has forwarded the passport details of the probable players and coaches from India so that the PBSA can initiate the process to finalise the arrangements.

Due to lengthy procedures in obtaining the necessary clearances or No-Objection Certificates from the government and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, the PBSA had requested the BSFI to send the required details of their probable participants at least 60 days before the championship.

“It’s a big boost to the championship that India are the first ones to send their details and confirmation,” PBSA President Alamgir Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “This will give heart to other nations who may have some reservations about coming here. We’re trying everything to ensure that we host the World Championships in a grand manner and that the participants don’t face any kind of trouble.”

The official further added that the BSFI will send the final list of players after conducting open trials.

“Our Indian counterparts want us to get clearance for all the probables to save precious time once the final squad is selected,” said Shiekh. “For now, they have sent the names of 26 cueists, but I’ve been told that they will cut them down to 16.”

The PBSA has also received the passport details of the BSFI President Captain PV Mohan, who is also the IBSF President, along with the Honorary Secretary of BSFI Balasubramanium as they will also attend the world championship.

Draws for Asian event announced

The draws for the Asian Championship to be played in Malaysia have been released, and Pakistan’s Muhammad Asif is placed in Group F against Thailand’s Boonyarit Kaettikun, Iraq’s Ali Ali, Bahrain’s Ahmed Janahi and Kuwait’s Naser Taqi.

Hamza Akbar is in Group B and will vie with Qatar’s Ahmed Saif, UAE’s Mohammed AlShamsi, Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani and Kuwait’s Abdullah Alkandari.

Pakistan’s third participant Shaharam Changezi is paced in Group P against Iran’s Ehsan Heydarinezhad, Japan’s Shuji Hase, Malaysia’s Yew Wah Chooi, China’s Wai Seng Pang and Korea’s Chol Ho Hwang.

 

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