Indian Open snooker postponed due to Kerala floods

August 22, 2018 12:23 IST

India's Pankaj Advani plays a shot during his snooker match

Image used for representational purposes. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

World snooker has postponed next month's Indian Open in Kerala due to severe flooding that has claimed nearly 400 lives.

The event was scheduled to be held in Kochi from September 18-22 but the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said they would explore alternative dates.

The worst floods in the state in a century has claimed 383 lives, razed tens of thousands of homes, and washed away roads and bridges. Around 1.3 million are sheltering in thousands of relief camps.

"Among the tragic events I have witnessed through the media during the past few days, we've been moved by the resilience of those affected and I am looking forward to returning to the area soon," WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said in a statement.

"On behalf of the players I'd like to say that our thoughts are with all of the people affected," Shaun Murphy, the chairman of the WPBSA players commission, added.

($1 = 0.7841 pounds)

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