KARACHI, Oct 12: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) has imported 16 brand new tables and accessories from Singapore-based Chinese manufacturing company for the coming International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World snooker championship, being held at the Arabian Sea Country Club here from Nov 7.

‘The ship carrying the consignment dropped anchor at Port Qasim on Wednesday and the baize tables would be cleared in next few days,’ Arif Tahirbhai, joint secretary, PBSA, told Dawn.

He informed that the manufacturing firm had an agreement with the IBSF that only their branded tables would be used in the world championship.

If a country can’t afford to purchase the tables due to paucity of funds, they can import by paying freight charges and return after using in the competition, he said.

He said PBSA was waiting for an SRO from member CBR, (Customs), pertaining to export of tables after using them.

This will be the first time that matches would be played simultaneously on sixteen tables in the country.

As many as 25 countries have so far confirmed their participation in the event which runs from Nov 7 to 20.