Qatar looks set to stage the IBSF World Championships for a second year in succession after offering to replace Malta as the host nation.
Malta withdrew from hosting November’s edition of the prestigious amateur competition, citing “circumstances beyond their control.”
The IBSF subsequently asked other member nations if they could provide a suitable package and it seems as though Qatar has salvaged this year’s tournament.
IBSF general secretary Mohammed Kammah tweeted on Friday: “After Malta withdrew from hosting the IBSF Snooker championship, Qatar offers to host the tournament.”
The fact that the event will continue will probably come as a relief to everyone involved with the IBSF after what has been a tumultuous month for the amateur federation.
Before this, there was the added controversy surrounding the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association’s pledge to distance itself completely from the IBSF, thus apparently meaning that there will be no tour card available for the 2017 IBSF world champion.
Whether this will have any bearing on the numbers competing in Qatar, or indeed the quality of amateur player present, remains to be seen.
