Tables by the sea
Officials of the International Billiards Federation will hold their annual board meeting today on the sidelines of the Carom Euro Cup launched in Hurghada on Sunday. Inas Mazhar writes
Once upon a time Hurghada was a little fishing village. Today -- with its crystal clear water, untouched reefs and a multitude of ship wrecks -- the Egyptian red sea locality has become one of the most flocked to tourist and sports destination on the global map. On Sunday, the 2nd Billiards (Carom) EuroCup launched in host town Hurghada, with more than 72 players from around the world competing for the one-week title.
Qualifications started in the indoor halls at Hurghada's Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, while the finals will be held in a glass court on an island -- the first time for such an extravaganza to take place in the history of the sport. Al-Ahram -- organiser of the tournament for the second year in a row -- was the creator of the spectacle expected to attract an international crowd.
After the outstanding success of last year's tournament, the European Billiards Federation signed a five-year contract with Al- Ahram to organise the tournament.
Carom is played on a table without pockets. Marking include spots in the centre of the foot string and centre string. There should be two additional spots on the six inches on either side of the head spot. Three balls are used.
