A strategic partnership was formalised between the African Billiards and Snooker Confederation (ABSC) and China’s leading billiards manufacturer Xing Pai. The agreement, aimed at elevating the sport across the continent, was signed under the auspices of the African Association of Sports Confederations (UCSA), and attended by Ahmed Nasser, president of UCSA, Emad Al-Banani, UCSA secretary-general, and Nada Mashaal, UCSA executive manager.
The partnership extends far beyond the mere provision of high-quality billiards tables for African tournaments; it represents a long-term strategic alliance.
“This is not just about supplying tables; it is about fostering the growth of billiards in Africa,” Xing Pai stated. “We are committed to supporting the development of young African players by providing them access to our billiards academy in China where they can receive top-tier training. Our collaborations span major entities such as WST (World Snooker Tour), CBSA (China Billiards and Snooker Association), IBSF (International Billiards Federation), and WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and Snookers Association), and we organise events worldwide, not just in China. We believe that this partnership with Africa will be mutually beneficial and transformative for the sport.”
Mohamed Al-Kammah, president of the ABSC, hailed the agreement as a landmark step in promoting billiards across the continent. “This collaboration with Xing, the world’s most renowned billiards company, opens new doors for Africa. We have discussed plans to establish multiple billiards academies and clubs throughout the continent. Importantly, Xing Pai is prepared to provide financial support, including loans and sponsorships through Chinese banks to facilitate the expansion of billiards infrastructure in Africa.”
A key highlight of the partnership is the integration of African players into Xing Pai’s state-of-the-art billiards academy in Yushan, China. The academy boasts world-class training facilities, including a billiards tools exhibition, a stadium with extensive spectator seating, and a fully equipped training centre attached to a hotel, all built with a staggering $330 million investment.
“Professional billiards is a viable career path, and Xing Pai is offering African players a unique opportunity to train and compete at the highest levels,” Al-Kammah explained. “Additionally, we are working on launching Q-Tours which will serve as a platform to nurture professional African players. Xing Pai will provide these tournaments with world-class billiard tables at no cost — tables that can be returned after use — eliminating a significant financial barrier. Furthermore, should any African federation wish to purchase these tables, they will be eligible for an exclusive 30 per cent discount, making them more accessible.”
Another significant initiative under discussion is the inclusion of snooker in the All-Africa Games of 2027 which will be hosted by Egypt. “We are committed to working together to develop a compelling proposal for integrating snooker into the Games, providing African athletes with greater competitive exposure,” Al-Kammah said.
Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Jason Gan, Xing Pai CEO, expressed his enthusiasm: “It is a great pleasure to be here today, marking the beginning of a fantastic collaboration between Xing Pai Billiard and ABSC. Since our inception in 1987, we have been dedicated to the billiards industry, earning global recognition for our exceptional product quality and professional event management. Our partnerships with esteemed organisations such as WPBSA and IBSF have enabled us to provide world-class equipment for premier tournaments, including the World Championship, the UK Championship, and the Masters.”
Gan underscored Africa’s rich billiards heritage, highlighting the region’s strong potential in snooker, American pool, and carom. “Many African players have showcased exceptional talent on the international stage, and this partnership aims to further elevate their opportunities. Through our collaboration, we will introduce cutting-edge tournament equipment tailored to local needs, establish professional training centres, and bring in top-tier international coaches and resources. We will also organise high-calibre events to nurture emerging talents and support outstanding African players in gaining international exposure through training in China and participation in major global tournaments.”
He concluded with an optimistic vision for the future: “Today marks the beginning of an enduring partnership that will connect Africa and China through billiards. We embark on this journey together with a shared commitment to advancing the sport in Africa, and I have no doubt that this collaboration will yield tremendous success.”
With the foundation laid for a promising future, the partnership between ABSC and Xing Pai is set to transform the billiards landscape in Africa, fostering professionalism, accessibility and international recognition for African players on the global stage.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 20 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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