KARACHI, Sept 13: Pakistan will scale new heights and become the second country in the world after China when it plays host to the men’s and women’s World snooker championship for third time since its inception, at the Arabian Sea Country Club (ASCC) resort on the outskirts of the city from Nov 7-20.

The details of the mega event were announced in a press briefing at the launch of the championship at Karachi Club on Tuesday.

This is the third time after 1966 and 1993 when International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) had bestowed the honour on Pakistan to host the event.

Addressing a press conference, president of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) Ali Asghar Valika said it was a historical day for him to announce official launch of the world championship.

He disclosed that the hosting of the competition would cost approximately 10 million rupees. Negotiations with some multi-national companies for the title sponsorship were under way and the details would be announced soon, he added.

The total prize money for the men event will be £11,000 while the women event carries a total purse of £6,000.

Assuring best possible security to the participants, he said he had spoken to his European counterparts and drew their attention to the fact that it was a global issue and not confined to Pakistan.

Valika said Pakistan’s women cueists would also make their debut in the women championship which would run simultaneously.

He said Pakistan team for the competition would be announced after Latif Masters.

Earlier, secretary of PBSA, Aspi Mavalwala, gave a brief resume of the championship.