KARACHI, July 18: The Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) had decided to go ahead with staging of the 16th Snooker Cup ranking championship at Islamabad from Tuesday despite acts of terrorism in the capital.

According to pools released by the PBSA, top 16 players of the country are to vie for honours in the contest which runs at the newly raised facility in the sports complex from July 24 to 27. The event carries a total prize money of Rs150,000.

Though Islamabad had played host to National Snooker Championship in the past, the coming event marks formal inauguration of the indoor snooker complex.

Seasoned Naveen Perwani who captured his maiden national title in March has been top seeded. He is followed by Abu Saim, Mohammad Yousuf and defending champion, Khurram Agha.

Khurram, a former Pakistan No 1, was the pick of five Pakistani cueists in the 23rd Asian Snooker Championship where he secured third position.

The players have been equally drawn into four pools. Top two from each will make it to the knockout quarter-finals.

The winner will earn Rs50,000 while runner-up takes home Rs35,000. The losing semi-finalists and quarter-finalists receive Rs30,000 apiece. Rs5,000 will be awarded to highest break performer.

Pools: