KARACHI, Aug 31: A five-member Pakistan squad comprising three cueists and two officials is due to leave for Dubai Monday night to take part in the eight-nation Emirates International Snooker Championship being played there from Sept 4-11.

National team comprised country’s three top ranked cueist including Pakistan number one Khurram Hussain Agha, Ex- World number three Saleh Muhammad and former world and Asian champion Muhammad Yousuf.

President, Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) Ali Asghar Valika will be Chef de Mission while Alamgir Shaikh is the manager of the team.

According to draws available PBSA here main rival Pakistan and India are drawn in two different groups in the championship.

Pakistan is placed in strong pool “A” with Egypt, Singapore, Thailand and host and holder UAE “A”.

Indians are placed in pool “B” with Hong Kong, Malaysia, UAE “B” and UAE “C” in the week-long championship.

Two top teams after the round robin league will progress in the semifinals. Following is programme of the championship.

Sept 4: Opening ceremony UAE “A” vs Egypt, UAE “B” vs Hong Kong

Sept 5: Singapore vs Pakistan, India vs Malaysia, UAE “A” vs Thailand, UAE “B” vs UAE “C”.

Sept 6: Egypt vs Thailand, UAE “C” vs Hong Kong

Sept 7: Egypt vs Pakistan, India vs Hong Kong, UAE “A” Singapore, UAE “B” Malaysia.

Sept 8: Pakistan vs Thailand, Egypt vs Singapore, Malaysia vs Hong Kong, UAE “C” vs India.

Sept 9: UAE “B” vs UAE “C”, Thailand vs Singapore, UAE “C” vs Malaysia, UAE “B” vs India.

Sept 10: semifinals

Sept 11: Final.—APP