Top field lined up for Fujairah8-ball pool championship

Defending champion Efren Bata Reyes from the Philippines will be one of the several stars at the Fujairah World 8-Ball Pool Championship, to be held in Fujairah from November 8-14.

Reyes, who convincingly won the opening edition of this competition last year, was among the first to confirm his presence and defence of his title.

Challenging Reyes for the total prize fund of $110,000 at the Fujairah Exhibition Centre will be world No 1 Thorsten Hohmann from Germany, Alex Pagulayan from Canada and Niels Feijen from the Netherlands.

"After being voted as the best venue on the tour last year, we think Fujairah is even more equipped to host this competition this time," stated Khalid Al Mazroui, General Manager of Fujairah International Airport and Chairman of the Championship's Organising Committee.

"The tournament has grown in stature and the presence of the top 20 players in the world is an indication of this growth," Al Mazroui added. Sixteen players from the Middle East, including the UAE, are expected to vie for a share of the prizemoney.

"We have reserved slots for players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and are awaiting a response from Qatar," stated Ahmad Ebrahim, the tournament director.

These 16 players will make up the final field of 64 from nearly 40 countries worldwide in this competition, which is being held under the direct supervision of the World Pool-Billiard Association [WPA].

Dubai-based Promoseven Sports Marketing will be the official marketing agents for the tournament.

The championship will be held under the directive of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah.