The Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) has decided not to introduce the 6-red snooker and stick with the existing 15-red format at the senior nationals to be held in Agra in September. The decision was taken keeping in view the World Snooker Championships to be held in Hyderabad from November 15-29. We thought of introducing it in Agra,but realised it wont help our players in the Hyderabad event, said BSFI president PVK Mohan. It will now be adopted in the next years nationals. The new format was introduced for the first time two years ago in the South East Asian Games in Korat and is set to make its debut at the Asian Games in Guangzhou next year as a medal sport. Its much faster,with frames taking no more than 19 minutes to complete. However,6-red snooker is yet to get the approval of the international body,IBSF. Meanwhile,the world event in Hyderabad will have the biggest purse ever,with winners taking home $100,000 as prize money. Players from 60 countries will be participating in the championships.
