Jakarta Intl Tour to start

JAKARTA (JP): Billiard players from six countries will compete in the Jakarta International Billiard Tournament running from Thursday through to Sunday.

"The six countries are, Malaysia who will send four players, Brunei with three players, Singapore with 10 players, Japan with one player, Vietnam is sending five players, while Indonesia will field 16 players," billiard head coach Andrie Ben was quoted as saying by Antara on Wednesday.

"The nine-ball event is important for our players, who are being groomed for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, to increase their experience. Especially because all countries are sending their best players," Andrie added.

Andrie also said that the Indonesian Billiard Association (POBSI) had set a trial schedule for the players.

"Nine players in the pool event will take part in the Asian Championships in Taipei on June 23 to June 25, and two nine-ball players will participate in the World Championships in Cardiff in mid July," he said, adding that "two snooker players will also compete in the Asian snooker championships from June 10 to June 17 in Pakistan". (nvn)