World Cup in Luxor as a promotion for the country

LUXOR - The billiard arena, on the ninth floor of the Sonesta St George Hotel in Luxor, is almost ready for the opening day. The eight Gabriels Hermes tables are still under sail for a final inspection. Some young Egyptian players already entered the room, like the three Belgian referees Benny, Benny and Freddy and Dutchman Willem Hofman, who was flying for the first time in his life and Monday will make his debut, as a world UMB arbiter, in a World Cup.

There are two World Cups in Egypt on the calendar for the first time in history, although at two different locations: in the next week in the historical city of Luxor, later this year in Hurghada, known for his previous organizations.

The allocation to Luxor has led to some discussion in billiards circles: the cancellation of the Greek World Cup was supposed to be as a direct result, but the recent development in Greece, with the owner and sponsor Thanos Athanasiou of IBT Hellas, puts the cancellation in an entirely different context.

From the sporting point of view and also concerning the spread of organizations, the decision of the UMB was very welcome. The Egyptian government is trying to promote its country as a safe tourist destination. It is gratifying that the billiard sport can play a main role in such a campaign.
Kozoom brought a visit to the Luxor temples already, for a video of the World Cup, to show the wonderful monuments on its tour.

Luxor, on the River Nile, is one of the most impressive places in the world and rich in tourist attractions: 30 percent of all the monuments in the world are indeed in Egypt.

The winner of the World Cup in Istanbul, the Korean Jae Ho Cho, is not a seeded player in the top twelve, because his position was not good enough on the day that the field was designated.
Frédéric Caudron is the number one the ranking ahead of Torbjörn Blomdahl, Filippos Kasidokostas, Marco Zanetti and Eddy Merckx.

The total number of participants is at 149, of whom the Egyptian players meet tomorrow (Sunday) in the Pre-pre-pre qualifications.

The top players have all signed in for the stunning battle, so we can expect a spectacular fight in the second World Cup of the year.

Kozoom will broadcast the matches live from day one. From the Pre qualifications a premium pass is required.