WDBS Signs Agreement with Shanghai Billiards Association

World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) is excited to announce that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Shanghai Billiards Association (SHBA) committing to the shared goal of hosting WDBS ranking events and other developmental projects in China.

The SHBA is the officially recognised organisation for snooker and billiards in Shanghai and is also a member of the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA), China’s national governing body for snooker.

The agreement between the WDBS and SHBA, supported by the CBSA, sees the two organisations agree to work closely together moving forward to help the growth of disability snooker in China.

This includes the promotion and showcasing of disability snooker in China through events such as WDBS tournaments and other projects, including coaching programmes with WPBSA and CBSA approved coaches as well as coaches recognized by the SHBA and The Shanghai Youth Sports Association (SYSA) in the Shanghai area.

The cooperation follows previous fruitful discussions between the organisations, which last September saw the staging of the inaugural WDBS Shanghai Invitational Disability Snooker Cup with the backing of WDBS ambassador Da Chen.

Nigel Mawer QPM, WDBS Chairman, said: “This is an incredibly exciting agreement as we continue to move forward with our goal of growing WDBS events globally.

“It was fantastic to see the organisation of the first ever WDBS event in Shanghai last September and the further success of the recent World Abilitysport Games in Thailand highlights Asia as an area of huge potential growth for disability snooker in the future.

“We look forward to continuing to build on this activity with the SHBA and CBSA over the coming months.”

An SHBA spokesperson said: “It is a great honour to announce that the Shanghai Billiards Association has reached a meaningful co-operation agreement with the WDBS. This is another major achievement after the successful holding of the 2023 WDBS Shanghai Invitational Disability Snooker Cup.

“We would like to thank the WDBS for its trust and kindness, it has set a positive example in promoting and showcasing disability snooker in China and we will devote ourselves to this great cause with strength and enthusiasm.”