Jetwing St. Andrew’s together with Hatton National Bank (HNB) will be hosting a ‘06 Ball Pot Black Snooker Tournament’ on October 18 at Jetwing St. Andrew’s Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

This will be the first time in the history of Jetwing St. Andrew’s, which dates back to 1875, that an event of this magnitude will be conducted, with the blessings of the Billiards and Snooker Association of Sri Lanka.

The Historic Billiards Table –

Jetwing St. Andrew’s possesses probably one of the most historic billiards and snooker tables in the country. It is still in a good playing condition. Much myths and legends surround this billiards table owned by the Jetwing St. Andrew’s which probably dates back to late 1800’s or very early 1900’s when the property was run by a German national named Humbert under the name Scots Club.

This historic table was built by the reputed C. Lazarus & Company in India that dealt with billiards and snooker tables, grand pianos, etc, during the colonial times. It is impressive to see that much is preserved in its original condition even with ivory dots that surrounding the table being still visible.

The entry fee for 06 Ball Pot Black Tournament is Rs.500/- and it is an open event. The tournament is expected to begin at 9.30 a.m. on October 18 and will be completed on the same day with awards ceremony following the grand finale.

"We are proud to partner Hatton National Bank as a sponsor for this historic event to be held next month at Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara Eliya. We are delighted to host this first ever 06 Ball of Black Snooker Tournament and uplift the game in Nuwara Eliya. We are ever thankful to the assistance and guidance given by the Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka and look forward to continue this event on an annual basis. It is undoubtedly a highlight playing on such a historic billiards and snooker table in Sri Lanka. Only a very few has had the opportunity so far to do so," said Manager of Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Renuke Coswatte.

"Our intentions are to make this event an annual attraction in the calendar of events at Nuwara Eliya. We very strongly believe that, with the support of our sponsors, Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka and the enthusiasts of this game, we will be able to make this event an international attraction from 2009 onwards," Coswatte further added.