GLOBAL SNOOKER NEWS

The players, officials and spectators crowded into the magnificent arena at the NH Koningshof Hotel to enjoy the drama of the draw for the knock out stages.

And they were treated to a bit of a surprise when Father Christmas, better known to the Dutch as Sinterklaas arrived to pull the names out of the historic IBSF World Championship trophy.

In Holland the birthday of Saint Nicolaas (Sinterklaas) is celebrated on 5th December and he is recognised by his extreme age, long white beard, an episcopate mitre on his head and his helper, known as 'Black Peters'.

The draws for IBSF events follow a strategic pattern whereby players are drawn into various sections of the draw to avoid playing someone from their groups.

With Thailand's Kobkit Palajin and the other seven seeds slotted in, the draw soon fell into place and there were oohs and aahs all round as some juicy matches were lined up.

In a repeat of the recent Peace Cup Series, India again drew Pakistan, as last year's runner up, Saleh Mohammed, matched up against the current Asian Champion Alok Kumar.

A mixture of Dutch cheers and groans greeted the news that one of their favourites, Reind Duut, had drawn European Champion Mark Allen. Holland's Number One, Stefan Mazrocis found Bahrain's Habib Subah drawn against him and the third Dutchman into the draw, Rolf de Jong, a former IBSF World Under 21 finalist, drew Malta's supremo, Alex Borg.

Local rivals Singapore and Malaysia drew each other, represented by the experienced Keith E Boon and the up and coming young Malaysian Moh Keen Ho.

There was a tingle of anticipation when Ireland's Davy Morris, sixteen only last weekend, came out of the hat against India's Manan Chandra (right), who currently holds the high break, with his wonderful 146 in the group stages.

Defending champion Pankaj Advani continues his bid for back to back victories with a match against Hong Kong's Fung Kwok Wai.

The Ladies draw lined up some intriguing matches with many of the players having not faced each other before. Europe, Asia and Oceania are all represented, which is an encouraging sign of the continued growth and participation around the world.

England's Katie Henrick, the number one seed, drew Belgium's Caty Dehaene, while Reanne Evans, also from England, faces France's Johanna Ho.

France's second qualifier, Sandrine Vlamynck faces Australia's Kathy Parashis, and her neighbour, Ramona Belmont, from New Zealand, meets Sweden's Ann Sofie Lofgren.

And it's Australia versus New Zealand in the seniors, with number one seed Robby Foldvari up against Kiwi Henry Killian.

New Zealand bagged three places in the seniors draw and Harry Haenga, whose son Daniell is still in the men's event, has a great match in prospect against India's Geet Sethi, and Dene O'Kane will have his work cut out against the vastly experience Stephen Baillie from Scotland.

There was a groan from the Welsh contingent when both of their players, Ron Jones and John Terry drew 10am starts. Jones plays the wily Yvan Leus from Belgium, while Terry meets Finland's Jyri Virtanen.