Efforts raised to ensure longevity of top class event

Top level snooker will once again be one of the most appealing 'delicacies' on the local sporting menu next year after World Snooker confirmed the Malta Cup as one of its official ranking events for the current season.

The 2006 Malta Cup, the seventh world snooker ranking event ever to be staged here, is scheduled for the Hilton Conference Centre, between January 30 and February 5.

Snooker aficionados will surely be delighted to have the crème-de-la-crème of the sport putting on a competitive show but the good news does not stop there.

During the launching yesterday, it was announced that Snooker Promotions have just sealed a three-year deal with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), one of the main sponsors of the tournament.

This contract has to be viewed as a significant boost for the organisers in their bid to ensure that the Malta Cup becomes an annual fixture.

The benefits of this partnership were perfectly summed up by Romwald Lungaro-Mifsud, MTA chairman, when he said: "The signing of a three-year agreement reflects our commitment towards continuity. We believe this is the appropriate approach to ensure that high-quality sports events like the Malta Cup become a permanent highlight.

"Other high-profile sports events like the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the UIM Powerboat P1 grand prix also have the backing of the MTA. "

The presence of Nicky Fuller, commercial director of World Snooker, at yesterday's launching not only reflected the good relations between Snooker Promotions and the international parent body, it also underlined the growing status of the Malta Cup.

"We are delighted to be coming back to Malta and work with Snooker Promotions," Fuller said.

"The players are looking forward to play in Malta and, having been to some of the other venues worldwide, I can understand why. The surroundings here are just excellent."

Fuller remarked that snooker's popularity is on the rise. It is estimated that around 155 million people followed the China Open earlier this year.

The Malta Cup, with a total prize fund of around £118,000, will be played on the usual 32-man knock-out format. The top 16 are eligible to take part but Ronnie O'Sullivan, the world no.1, has forfeited his chance to try and dethrone Stephen Hendry as Malta Cup holder. The winner at the Hilton will pocket £18,000.

According to Fuller, O'Sullivan will skip the Malta Cup as he is to take part in a pool competition in January.

There are also doubts about Paul Hunter who is receiving treatment for a serious illness.

Two qualifiers will be played here prior to the first round. These involve 'wild cards' Joe Grech and Simon Zammit. Grech will take on Mark Allen with the winner to face world champion Shaun Murphy. Snooker legend Steve Davis will play against the winner of the other qualifier between Zammit and Robin Hull.

These two qualifiers as well as Tony Drago's first qualifying match against Shokat Ali, will be played on the opening day - January 30.

Three other first round matches (last 32) will also take place on Jan. 30.

The next day, the winner of the Drago-Ali qualifier will cross cues with Barry Pinches in a last-48 match, along with five other first round matches.

The remaining first round matches will be completed on February 1 followed by the fixtures from the last 16 round on February 2. Up to the last 16 stage, the matches will be best-of-nine and played on three tables.

A two-table set-up will be used for the quarter-finals, on February 3, but the semi-finalists are certain to command the attention of the entire audience as the playing area will feature only one table.

The semi-finals (best of 11 frames), will be played on February 4, at 3 and 8 p.m., whereas the final's two sessions have been set for 2 and 7 p.m. and will be on a best of 17 frames.

All matches will be officiated by six international referees, including Maltese officials Michael Attard Montalto and Terry Camilleri.

The organisers have once again teamed up with Malta Direct to entice overseas fans to visit Malta for the tournament. TV coverage will not be restricted to local channels only.

Eurosport will be broadcasting Malta Cup matches, live and delayed, thus extending the tournament's reach to over 255 million homes.

Arrangements have also been made with Multiplus to televise all matches, including qualifiers, on the main table. Net TV is also expected to air delayed transmissions.

Block tickets for the Malta Cup, to go on sale on January 3 at various outlets, cost Lm30.