Bangalore, Aug 31 (UNI) Indian cueists may have smooth sailing in the IBSF World Billiards Championship beginning from tomorrow in the Karnataka State Billiards Association here.
Defending Champion Rupesh Shah may have a cake walk against Sabdeen Mohamed of Sri Lanka, while it may not be easy for former world champion Pankaj Advani, when he meets Suriya Suwannasingh of Thailand in the first round of the Point Format league matches.
Indian Billiards and Snooker Association Vice President S Balasubramaniam, who is also the tournament Organising Committee Chairman, told UNI that two players from Afghanistan, who were placed in Group A and Group F were yet to report and ''If they fail to report before commencement of the tournament Indian players will be accommodated.'' Balasubramaniam said in all 32 players, including 18 foreign and 12 Indian players, were divided into eight-groups with four in each. Top two from each group would qualify for pre-quarter to be played on September 3.
Meanwhile, ace Indian players, Prem Prakash and Shyam Jagtani Devendra Joshi, have qualified for the main draw by winning their qualifying round matches. While Prem Prakash placed in Group H will meet Thawat Sujaritthurakarn of Thailand, Devendra Joshi, Group A will take on Afghastani and Shyam Jagtiani, Group E will face Peter Gilchrist of Singapore in the first-round league matches.
While Points Format matches were played from September One to Five, Time Format matches will be held from September 6 to 10.
UNI MSP PY AS1825