Cash crisis take Hamza’s eye off the cue ball

Photo: Darren Robinson

Hamza Akbar at Oldham Snooker Academy: money worries.

HAMZA Akbar will face the biggest challenge of his fledgling snooker career amid a backdrop of financial worries.

The 22 year old takes on five-times world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the qualifying rounds of the German Masters at Wigan’s Robin Park on Saturday. It is a big enough task without the distraction of a dwindling bank balance.

Pakistan’s Akbar, based at Oldham Snooker Academy and living in Werneth, won a place on the professional tour by winning the Asian Championship earlier this year. But his prize money was minimal and he was relying on a reward from the Pakistan Sport Board of around two million rupees (about £12,600)

It is understood he has so far received only 400,000 rupees - nowhere near enough to pay for his pro tour costs.

And despite repeated phone calls to Pakistan, he is no nearer claiming the money he needs. He has been trying in vain to secure sponsorship instead.

OSA boss Mohammed Nisar, who has given Akbar superb practice facilities and a home since he came to England this summer, said it was difficult for the player to concentrate on his snooker.

Akbar said: “All my hopes are pinned on the PSB. I’m ready to invest my prize money because it can’t get bigger than playing on the professional circuit. But I haven’t received the amount.”

Akbar and Nisar are optimistic he can show his true colours against O’Sullivan.