A: I think this was bound to happen. For the last three foreign trips (to the World & Asian Championships) there are some players who have yet to receive the money they spent while representing the country, essentially the to and fro air-fare and stay. This, the players have been coughing up from their own pockets. And financially it is not possible for us to continue like this. Even now what we are asking is a part of the entire trip (60%) in advance and the rest we are ready to dole out.

Q: What has been the authorities response to the players' appeal?

A: To be very frank, not favourable. We haven't got anything in writing but the BSFI (Billiards and Snooker Federation of India) officials have verbally told us that our demand cannot be complied with.

Q: Why do you think the BSFI is not willing to pay the advance to the players?

A: I have absolutely no idea. Earlier the playersused to go abroad at `no cost to Government' basis with the Federation reimbursing the players' expenses. But after the cue sport was made a part of the Asian Games set-up the players are being sent on Government cost. While the trips are being cleared by the Government regularly, the money is not forwarded at the same time. So the Federation is refusing to pay the money arguing that they do not have it which is hard to believe. It had been a normal practice to pay the players from the interest of the funds kept by the BSFI in a fixed deposit. But since the Government intervention, two years ago, the Federation has not been paying anything to the players. In that case the money has been lying unused. So how can they not have the funds to pay?

Q: How much does a foreign trip generally cost?

A: Minimum Rs 60,000 to 70,000. Ashok Shandilya has dues worth Rs one lakh still pending. If he is sent abroad again where do you think he is going to get the money from. And it is not fair that you go all theway to represent your country and pay from your pocket too. I mean how many sportspersons will do that? But we have been doing it. So the seven of us, ranked according to the Nationals decided to take this stand. Siddarth Anand is also among the ranked players who can represent India. But he could not sign the memorandum as he was away in Delhi at that time. Anyway he has decided to play in the UK and will not be available here.

Q: Does this put our Asian Games preparations in jeopardy?

A: No not at all. The IOA will be handling the financial matter. Anyway, we are all geared up for Bangkok.

Q: How useful have the Bangalore camps for the Asian Games been?

A: It has done a world of good. Since we do not have many tournaments to look forward to we rarely get to play each-other. But the camp gave us a lot of chances to play with our counterparts and at the same time develop our game as well.

Q: What about the controversy surrounding the pool and carrom tables? Apparently they did notarrive even though the fourth and final camp has concluded.

A: Yes it is rather unfortunate. Pool is one game which is easy for a good snooker player to master and most of them have a natural flair for it. You do have to practice though, maybe not as much as carrom. We will need a separate team for pool and carrom as the events in all probability will clash with billiards and snooker. There were talks of holding a camp for pool and carrom in Delhi but nothing concrete as far as I know.

Q: So what about the medal prospects in Bangkok and who do you think will be our biggest threats?

A: India does dominate the billiards scene but it won't be easy. The Thailand team, especially winner at this year's Melbourne Worlds -- Prafrut, will be a major threat. Snooker, of course, has a lot of competition from the likes of China, Hong Kong and not to forget Pakistan. As far as medals go I am very optimistic. Expect three in billiards and at least two in snooker. And as far as pool and carrom medals...wellthat's best left to destiny.