CUE SPORTS – BAHRAIN is set to host a pair of top regional billiards and snooker competitions in the coming weeks.
The West Asian Billiards and Snooker Championship will be staged in the kingdom from tomorrow to June 1, to be followed by the Arab Federation Cup for Billiards and Snooker from June 2 to 8.
This was confirmed yesterday by the Bahrain Billiards, Snooker, and Darts Federation (BBSDF). The two competitions are set to be held at the federation premises in Al Ahli Club Complex in Mahooz.
The West Asian event is set to feature more than 80 men and women participants from across the region, while the Arab tournament is expected to attract more than 120 players, both men and women, said BBSDF chairman Munther Al Basri.
Al Basri noted that the federation has been preparing to host the two competitions for the past several weeks.
The Bahrain national team cueists have also been gearing up for their participation with camps and competitions outside the kingdom.
BBSDF secretary Ehsan Haji expressed his thanks to Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his unlimited support for the kingdom’s federations, particularly the BBSDF, and his efforts to develop Bahraini sports through the hosting of major competitions.
Haji also thanked GSA CEO Dr Abdulrahman Askar for helping facilitate the BBSDF’s affairs in all matters relating to the event.
He further praised the great support from the BOC in providing national coaches for billiards and snookers, highlighting the exceptional responsiveness of BOC secretary general Faris Al Kooheji.
Meanwhile, Bahrain also held a Q Tour qualifying event recently under the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). The tournament featured a wide participation of Bahrain players, along with competitors from Egypt, Libya, Kuwait, Turkey, and the UAE to create a high level of play, which was of great benefit for the kingdom’s talents ahead of their two upcoming events at home.
The WPBSA Q Tour is the premier qualifying circuit to the World Snooker Tour.