World Snooker Federation Welcomes Pan American Development

The World Snooker Federation (WSF) is pleased to announce the Pan American Snooker and Billiards Association (PABSA), a new continental federation which has become a full member of the WSF.

PABSA brings together key stakeholders like the USA, Canada, Brazil and more creating a new platform to develop new opportunities through the WSF’s mission to create a seamless structure for snooker’s global development from amateur to professional.

Snooker has a rich history in the Americas region, from the achievements of Cliff Thorburn who became our first-ever world champion from outside of the UK back in 1980 to the amazing 13-year-old Nicolly Christo of Brazil who impressed many at this year’s WSF Championships as a potential star of the future.

The upcoming season will already see new American activity with World Seniors Snooker Tour qualifying events being staged in both Canada and the USA.

Jason Ferguson, WSF president said “WSF Continental and National Federations now span most of the world and we look forward to supporting the needs of our members, their players and officials. We are excited to work with people and organisations who clearly share our passion for billiards sports.

“Throughout the 1980s professional snooker saw sporting greats from the Americas region, our global work continues to demonstrate that there are hidden talents in all parts of the world.

“Our job as a global federation is to reach out and ensure the opportunities are there for these talents. There is great potential in this part of the world and I would like to congratulate Ajeya Prabhakar of the United States Snooker Association on making this federation a reality. It is with open arms that welcome PABSA to our family.”

Ajeya Prabhakar, USSA president said: “I am extremely thankful to Felipe Martins and Pedro Rolim from Brazil and John White, Randall Morrison and Steve Cooper from Canada for sharing the vision in our region and working hard towards our convergence into PABSA along with other countries.

“I would also like to thank Jason Ferguson who has tirelessly supported us since we first started PABSA in 2010. We have come a long way with Jason’s support and we are looking forward to working with the WSF and an exciting chapter ahead for us.”

UPDATED: PABSA will stage the Pan American Snooker Championship in New York, USA from 1-4 February 2019.

Learn more about PABSA at its new website: www.pabsa.org