In the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) trials in 8-ball and 9-ball pool events, all top eight players are expected to have a run-in since it is mandatory for players to compete and earn the rankings to be eligible to represent the country in the forthcoming Asian and other international pool championships.

Delhi’s Manan Chandra, the only player to have won both the 8-ball and 9-ball pool titles, would have tough challenge from both Sumit Talwar and Alok Kumar.

Chandra needs to beat the likes of Talwar and Kumar to earn the top slot to represent the country in the Asian Championships, says Ravi K Tandon, BSFI vice-president.

“Chandra has ruled the pool table since 2001 winning in 2003, 2004 and 2005. But since then others have caught up with him and hence the three-day trials will be important for the bronze medal winner last year in the Asian Indoors at Macau,” says Tandon.

He, however, admits that the real battle for top slot would be fierce as the BSFI selects players depending on the rankings to represent the country in international events.