KARACHI: Hosts Pakistan received a jolt when reigning Asian champion and country’s top cueist Hamza Akbar was barred by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) from competing in the third Jubilee Insurance World 6-Reds and Team Championships which cues off here on Aug 6.

“The WPBSA has expressed regret to allow Hamza to play in the upcoming event,” a dejected Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) president Alamgir Shaikh told Dawn on Tuesday.

The WPBSA has taken the stance that since Hamza has been enrolled in the pro circuit after becoming the Asian champion, he is not eligible to play any International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) event.

“If he (Hamza) plays in IBSF event, his name will be eliminated from the pro circuit as per the law,” the PBSF chief said while quoting WPBSA email.

Earlier, the PBSF had requested WPBSA to allow Hamza to compete in the high-profile event at home.

Perturbed with the situation, the PBSF has now requested the IBSF to allow reshuffle in the team event. “We’ll make changes after getting necessary permission from the IBSF,” said Alamgir.

Besides 6-Reds, Hamza was to compete in the team event with Shahram Changezi. Since crowning Asian glory that entitled him direct entry in the pro circuit in England, the PBSF has been making efforts to raise substantial amount of money to materialise Hamza’s trip.

Meanwhile, veteran cueist Mohammad Yousuf, who is a former world amateur snooker champion, joined the camp.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2015

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