axKARACHI: The vice-president of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation, Maxime Cassis, who is also the president of the European Billiards and Snooker Association, has submitted a positive report pertaining to security situation after visiting various places in the city.

“Karachi is safe to host the Jubilee Insurance World 6-Reds and Team Championships — men’s women’s and master’s,” he said in a report, a copy of which was available with Dawn, after a two-day whirlwind tour of the city recently to oversee arrangements.

“I’m happy with the arrangements made by the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) and hoped most of the countries would send their players to compete in the event,” he said in his findings.

The event is scheduled to be held from Aug 6 to 15 at Movenpick hotel.

Meanwhile, PBSF president Alamgir Shaikh said on Wednesday, “Around 200 players from at least 25 countries are expected to compete in the global event besides 32 international referees and 50 delegates.”

It is pertinent to mention that Cassis had defeated Alamgir by four votes for the post of IBSF vice-president in the biennial elections held in November last year.

Five golds will be at the stake in the competition which includes men’s 6-Reds, ladies 6-Reds, men’s team event, ladies team events and master’s team event.

He said the PBSF has placed order for 20 Shender tables and they are expected to reach at Karachi port from China by mid July.

The PBSF official disclosed that he will visit Islamabad soon to apprise ministries of inter-provincial coordination (IPC), foreign affairs and interior about the event seeking help in issuing instructions to Pakistan foreign missions abroad to honour IBSF member countries while issuing visas.

Alamgir said Mohammad Sajjad and Hamza Akbar in their capacity as world No 2 and Asian No 1 respectively will travel to China in the second week of June to take part in the World Open being held at Shanghai from June 15.

They have been invited by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and entitled to get US$7,000 appearance money.

Commenting on the domestic circuit, he said the second national ranking tournament will be organised in September. It will have a draw of 32 men.

It is pertinent to mention that domestic calendar has suffered a lot due to rise in international activities in the recent past.

To a question, he said they have raised 10,000 pounds sterling, which also includes the prize money Hamza received after winning the Asian title, for the latter’s appearance in pro circuit.

He added that they need 10,000 pounds more to make Hamza appear at the event.

“I’ll request the IPC to honour the cueist with cash reward as promised by the government under the sports policy that will help him meet the cost,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2015

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