SHARM-EL-SHEIKH - The African billiards federation is organizing the first African continental championship from today (Thursday) to Saturday. Sixteen players from four countries compete in the Egyptian resort of Sharm-El-Sheikh for the coveted title. The winner will be rewarded by eighty ranking points on the UMB rankings.
Sameh Sidhom, the main contender at this first championship, can make a big step on the list when he will be the winner. The Egyptian dentist is now in 29th, but will rise to 17th position behind Nikos Polychronopoulos in case of tournament win.
The African confederation has joined the World federation UMB last year. Before, the Egypt as a billiard federation belonged to Europe. Alhussein Alsharif is the first chairman of the continent which has taken an important place on the UMB calendar with the organization of two World Cups: Luxor and Hurghada.
UMB president Jean Claude Dupont is pleased with the organization of this first tournament. ,,We have to be realistic: the number of countries is still limited. We cannot expect that all the eight countries are participating with players.''
The president has a meeting with the African president soon. ,,We will talk about the number of countries. We want to point out that there is a minimum number to come to the start. Personally, I think at least five countries.''
The first African championship in the town with 35.000 inhabitants on the Egyptian peninsula of Sinaï at the Gulf of Aqaba, coincides with the Arab championship, where the semi-finals were played today.
Mohsen Fouda qualified for the final by a win over Yasser (40-25 in 42), Riad Nady outplayed Sameh Sidhom surprisingly 40-36 in 27 innings. The finals of both tournaments are played on Sunday.