KARACHI, Feb 19 Thirty-two cueists from across the country are set to vie for the crown when the domestic circuit springs into action on Sunday with the NJI National junior U-21 snooker championship at the Karachi Club.

According to format, top eight players apiece of the provincial cups will form the nucleus of the event which was revived last year by the insurance firm after a lapse of a decade.

Unfolding details of the competition at a press conference held at the KC on Thursday, the president of Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) Alamgir Shaikh said a hectic schedule awaits the players to prove their mettle.

Emphasising the importance of second tier competition, he said it was his endeavour to stage at least one more ranking event for the youth some time this year as they have to shoulder responsibilities in the future.

He informed that the provincial cups which form criteria for the event have been completed.

The sponsors, he said, are sharing PBSA's burden by providing generous support to the tune of Rs3,50,000 which include total prize money of Rs1,10,000. The winner will pocket Rs40,000 while Rs25,000 will go to the runner up. The top two players of the event will earn a ticket for world U-21 snooker championship being held at Kish Island in Iran from July 15 to 25.

Speaking on the occasion, chief of the insurance firm, Tahir Ahmed, applauded the role of PBSA president and his predecessor for keeping the baize game alive despite financial constraints.

He hoped the coming event will throw new faces to the fore that will bring laurels to the nation. He assured the continued sponsorship of the juniors and added that they may sponsor the seniors' event as well next month.