India has won the hosting rights of the Asia Grand Prix - World Ranking Billiards Championship to be held here from April 9 to 14.
The Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) and World Billiards Ltd (WBL) have given the hosting rights to Punjab Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) to organise the prestigious tournament for the first time in the country.
India will also host the 15th U-21 Snooker and 13th Asian Billiards and Snooker Championships from April 4 to 10 here.
"World renowned cueists from over 15 countries will be seen in action in Asia Grand Prix," D S Bains, President, PBSA, said.
"This is expected to give a big boost to the sport and help the budding players of the region to better their skills and performance," he added.
Talking about the format of the championship, Alok Kumar, General Secretary, PBSA said, "The top two players from around 15 Asian nations will be representing their respective countries. In the Asian U-21 snooker championship and Asian Billiards, the first round, round robin and the last 16 would be best-of-seven-frames."
"The quarter and semi-finals would be best-of-nine-frames while the final would be best-of-11-frames. The Asian Billiards will be played on 100-up format," he said.
Eight-time world champion India's Pankaj Advani, Geet Sethi, Peter Gilchrist, Mike Russel, David Causier would be seen in action in the Asia Grand Prix.
The total prize purse for both the events will be over Rs 15 lakh.
