Jeddah is gearing up for the first International Snooker Championship to be held here from March 1 to 7. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, will patronize the event. More than 15 countries are expected to take part in the championship which will be held at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. “This championship will be held for the first time in the Kingdom, and the Middle East where top players in the world will be seen in action,” said Prince Khaled Bin Mansour Al-Jlewi, Head of the Higher Organizing Committee for the championship. “The organizing committee has signed an agreement with Euro Sport international channel which will telecast the event live through more than 75 channels.” “Holding such a championship in the Kingdom reflects Saudi Arabia's position in the field of sports.” “We have to support this championship and promote this game by establishing sport clubs, holding Saudi championship, having coaches to start training young Saudis and getting the media support,” said Salha Asiri, exclusive promoter of the snooker championship. “Telecasting the championship will boost the image of the Kingdom, specially Jeddah, a prominent city for tourism,” said Mohamed Dia'a, snooker championship consultant.