11 Aug 2006
Dubai: The UAE will not participate in this month's IBF World Team Snooker Championship in San Hose, California, after failing in their attempt to secure visas to the USA.
Mohammad Shehab, the UAE's No 1 player and team captain, yesterday blamed the "complicated procedures" being adopted by the American Embassy for the setback.
"You have to wait for weeks to get an interview and then it takes another two weeks before you know whether it's yes or no.
"We tried out best, but in the end we ran out of time. So, sadly, we're not going."
The three-member UAE team, which also comprises Mohammad Al Joker and Mohammad Eisa, were preparing to join teams from 14 countries in the prestigious tournament which was attempting to give snooker a "lift-off" in the United States.
Shehab said he was totally disappointed that the UAE will not be represented at such an important event.
"Imagine if we won and became world champions," the Abu Dhabi-based player said. "It's what dreams are made off. We are all really, really disappointed with what has happened.
"We tried our level best and even sought help from the government, but nothing worked out.
The Championships will be run in three main groups and will feature teams from England, Hong Kong, India, Sweden, Isle of Man, Japan,South Africa, Thailand, Australia, Scotland and the hosts.
Each team will be represented by three players.
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
