Fujairah, UAE: A star-studded player line-up has been confirmed for the Fujairah World 8-Ball Championship with the world's top 20 signed-up for the event, tournament organizers announced recently.
The Championship will be held from November 8-14 at the Fujairah Exhibition Centre and has attracted the cream of the world's billiard talent, including world number one Thorsten Hohmann from Germany and defending champion Efren Reyes from the Philippines.
Reyes, known as 'The Magician', won the inaugural Fujairah World 8-Ball Pool Championship in 2004 and will be one of the hot favourites again to take a share of the $110,000 prize money.
"We are delighted with the response of the world's best players and the confirmation of the top 20 players indicates how successful and popular the Fujairah Championship has become in such a short space of time," said Khalid Al Mazroui, General Manager of the Fujairah International Airport and Chairman of the Championship's Organising Committee.
"The tournament has quickly grown in status and with the very best players on their way to Fujairah, this year's event will be one not to be missed."
But it will not only be the world's top talent who are expected to dazzle local fans.
Up to 16 Middle Eastern national billiards players, including players from the UAE, will join the strong field of professionals from across the world.
And for the first time players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have been invited to join the tournament.
A total of 64 players from around 40 countries will take part in the competition which is organized under the supervision of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).
Chairman of the WPA, Ian Anderson, said he was thrilled with the growth and development of the sport in the UAE, adding that he was not surprised the world's top players had signed up for the Fujairah tournament.
"Due to the success of the previous championships held in Fujairah in recent years, Fujairah was selected to host the World 8-Ball Championships and they have not disappointed."
"The event will continue to grow from strength to strength and we know the players love playing in Fujairah where they always receive a great response from the local fans who have a wonderful passion for the sport."
The Championships is held under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah and is supported by Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Chairman, Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy and patron of the World 8-Ball Pool Championship.
And Dubai-based Promoseven Sports Marketing will be the official marketing agents for the tournament.
"We are delighted to be involved with the Fujairah World 8-Ball Pool Championship for the first time and we look forward to ensuring the event continues its success through sponsorships, marketing, and television and media coverage," said Donal Kilalea, Chief Executive and Executive Vice President of Promoseven Sports Marketing.
