Cueman pockets £11,000 boost

HAMZA AKBAR . . . The Pakistan professional has had a tough time on the World Snooker Tour

OLDHAM-based professional Hamza Akbar has been paid some of the money promised to him by the Pakistan Sports Board.

The 22-year-old, who is currently trying to resolve a long-running visa row, has received £11,000.

However, he is still due another £7,000.

The money was promised to Akbar after he won the 2015 Asian Championships. It was in recognition of his efforts and to aid him in establishing a place on the World Snooker Tour.

"The PSB (Pakistan Sports Board) never said they weren't going to pay up," said Akbar's manager Mohammed Nisar. "But it's been a long time in coming.

"Yes, he is delighted, but it has impacted on him mentally.

"It has been a real struggle and this money means he has just about broke even over the time period.

"He is still owed £7,000, and it would be good if that money is released soon. Let's hope it's not another 18 months before he gets it."

Akbar has had to pay back £4,000 of the £11,000 to the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association after receiving a loan from them to help with expenses.

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Meanwhile, the young pro is back home in Pakistan in a bid to extend his tier five sports visa for a further 12 months.

His absence meant he missed out on trying to qualify for the Scottish Open and German Masters tournaments.

Nisar, who runs the Oldham Snooker Academy, is hopeful Akbar will get the green light to return to the tour at the end of next month.