National Bonds sponsors Asian Snooker Championship

The 2008 Championship Cup, organised by the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS) and supervised by the UAE Billiards and Snooker Association, will be held at the Dubai Police Officers Club, from May 3 to 10.

A total of 52 players representing 22 countries are set to participate in the tournament.

The tournament's players will be divided into groups of eight, with four players from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

The UAE team, comprising seven players, will be headed by Mohammed Shehab, who achieved recognition in 2007 for being the third highest ranking player in the world.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Mohammad Qasim Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, National Bonds said,

"National Bonds is very pleased to be associated with the 24th Asian Snooker Championship Cup, as it encourages local youth to participate in the world of sports. We believe that the youth segment is of great importance as they are the future and the potential of this country. This event attracts high participation from across the world. We are proud that the National Bonds Cup will be awarded to winners of this championship. Very soon we will be launching an investment opportunity for the youth as well, which will make them responsible for their own savings and investments. So this sponsorship shows how sports and financial services can collaborate to build the character of our upcoming generation by instilling key values such as strength, independence, passion and responsibility".

Retired General Naser Abd Al Razaq, Vice Chairman of the UAE Billiards and Snooker Association, said, "This competition has become a popular highlight in the sporting calendar. Held for the second time in Dubai, the event will showcase international players pitting their skills against home-grown talent. We are proud that a leading local company such as National Bonds has partnered with us to bring this world-class event to the UAE".

During the week-long championship, on May 8, an award ceremony will be held at Madinat Jumeirah, to recognise outstanding contributions by local sports personalities in the field of snooker and billiards.

National Bonds will also conduct exhibition matches at various malls across the UAE to create a sense of excitement for the tournament.