Saturday, Sep 14, 2013
Dubai: The Kolluna Al Emarat, Kolluna Khalifa International 9-Ball Billiards Championship will be staged in Abu Dhabi to mark the 42nd UAE National Day celebrations in the second half of November.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Billiards and Snooker Association in cooperation with strategic partner Pro 9 Sports Event Organiser, the competition will be played from November 23-30 in the capital.
The competition is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with organisers Pro9 Sports lining up some of the top international 9-ball players from across the world.
Prior to the start of the main competition, there will be four qualifying rounds that will be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, with the semi-final and final of the main event scheduled to be held at the Marina Mall Abu Dhabi.
The group matches will be worked out at the Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi over a period of five days, with the 128 participating players being divided into 16 groups with play starting at 11am every day.
Renowned trick shot artist Florian ‘Venom’ Kohler from France is scheduled to exhibit some of his moves a day before and during the finals of the tournament.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Shaikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, for his patronage and to all our sponsors,” said Shaikh Mohammad Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman, UAE Billiards and Snooker Association. “This is arguably the biggest tournament in the region and we hope this will inspire our youth to start playing billiards.”
“Events like this one can only raise the profile of sports in the country and will further help in the assimilation of a strong UAE national squad,” said Hisham Hendi, CEO, Pro9 Sports Events.
Staff Report
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