Draws of World Snooker sent to IBSF for approval
From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI—Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) had submitted the draw of World Snooker Championship to International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) for approval, PBSA Chief Asghar Valika said Wednesday. He said 56 cueists representing 25 countries will be contesting in the men’s event while 16 women players will be battling for top honors in the women’s competition.
Valika said 56 men cuemen will be drawn in eight groups and top four from each pool will advance in the last-32 knock out stage which is being staged at Arabian Sea Country from November 7-20. 16 women will be placed in two pools and top four will be making pre-quarterfinal rounds. He said IBSF will return the draws to PBSA on October 15 after final approval.
Asghar Valika said he was not disappointed with number of entries because all the major snooker playing countries from Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania are taking part in the two-week competition. He said 16 snooker tables in which the championship will be played have reached Karachi. He said 12 tables will be used for holding matches in men and women competition and four will be used for practice session.
IBSF have contributed the table under their sponsorship programme, he said. Last country to enter the event was France but South Korea pulled out of the competition because of examination of their players.
The prominent countries which have entered the fray included China, Egypt, England, Finland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Latvia, Mauritius, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, India, Malta, Qatar, Singapore, Chinese Taiwan, United Arab Emirates.