The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) President Ian Anderson (second Left) and Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) President Mohammed Mubarak Al Ramzani exchange documents after a contract signing ceremony at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium in Doha, yesterday. The WPA and QBSF yesterday signed an agreement by virtue of which Qatar will hold the right to host the annual World 9-Ball Pool Championship till 2017. Qatar is currently hosting the sixth edition of the World 9-Ball Pool Championship. The first three editions of the pool event were held at QBSF premises at Al Muntazah, while the last two editions were moved to a much larger Al Sadd Indoor Stadium. Also seen are QBSF Secretary General Mohammad Al Nuaimi and QBSF Players Affairs Committee Head Mubarak Hamad Al Khayareen. pictures by: Kammutty VP
Doha: Defending champion Darren Appleton of England and Mika Immonen of Finland moved into the round-of-32 of the World 9-Ball Pool Championship by registering contrasting wins at the Arabi Indoor Stadium here yesterday.
Appleton eased past Ivo Aarts of the Netherlands 11-5, while it was not so easy for the Finn who survived a few hiccups on his way to a fighting 11-6 win over Alex Pagulayan of Canada.
There was something to cheer for the local fans. Qatar pool coach Israel Rota from the Philippines and compatriot Antonio Gabica, both backed by Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation ((QBSF), also advanced to the next round.
Rota kept his nerve to overcome compatriot Mark Antony 11-8, while Gabica prevailed by an identical score against Nguyen Anh Tuan of Vietnam.
But there was a major disappointment for the Filipino fans as veteran and former world champion Efren Reyes lost 11-5 to Nick Van den Berg of the Netherlands.
The Peninsula
