Doha to host 2017 world snooker championship

A file image of Indian ace Pankaj Advani competing in an IBSF World Championship

Bengaluru, August 26: For the second year in a row, the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) will host the International Billiards and Snooker Federation's (IBSF) world snooker championship.

The 43rd edition of the championship for men, women and masters would be held at Al Arabi Sports Club's indoor hall from November 17 to 27.

Indian ace Pankaj Advani has won the world title a record four times, the last of which came in 2016.

The championship was held at Doha's Al Sadd Sports Club last November with Iran's Soheil Vahedi and Belgium's Wendy Jans emerging as men's and women's champions respectively while India's Dharminder Lilly won the masters title.

The World Championship started in 1963 and since 1984 it has been held every year. The IBSF-sanctioned event was conducted in a round-robin format for the first five years. From 1968 onwards, it was modified to a round-robin-cum-knockout one. The final is usually a best-of-15-frame affair.

Entry for this year's championships has already started and will close on October 28.

Each country is allowed to send maximum three players each in men and masters sections and four in the women's competition. Each region is also allowed to enter winner of their regional championship.

A record number of 238 players from 58 countries competed in the championship last year, and the host organisers are eyeing an encore this time.

"We're glad to welcome the snooker fraternity back to Doha again. Though we've been given the invitation to host the event at a short notice, we're ready for it. We believe all players will have a wonderful time here," said QBSF President Mohammed Mubarak Al Ramzani.

Last year also saw the election of IBSF office bearers during the General Assembly held along the sidelines of the tournament. Qatar's Mubarak Hamad Al Khayareen was elected unopposed as IBSF chief for a four-year term.