The United States Snooker Association (USSA) has awarded the Prince Snooker Club in Brooklyn, New York, the great honor of hosting this year's commemorative United States National Snooker Championship, marking the 25th anniversary of this prestigious event, which will take place from May 22-25.

The proprietor of the Prince Snooker Club, Mr. Tommy Chen, submitted an excellent bid to host this year's Championship which was accepted by the USSA Board with much gratitude. Mr. Chen and his wife, Anita, have been long standing and generous supporters of snooker in the United States, and have previously hosted this Championship on two occasions which were in 2009 and 2011.

As this is a celebratory 25th anniversary of the Championship, the founder and Honorary Life Chairman of the USSA, Michael Collins, intends to be present at the event and will also provide and present special trophies to the winner and runner-up.

Collins commented: "The time I have available gives me the opportunity to convey my utter excitement, to still be a part of what is going on in the USA with snooker. I look forward to the upcoming Nationals with great pride, this feeling comes from being involved with an incredible group of people, all the players, and of course a truly dedicated Board – I cannot say enough about them!

"The climax will be of course, the presentation of the 25th anniversary trophies – hard to believe the association has reached this milestone. It will be my honor to attend, soak it all in and enjoy, I trust the same feeling will be shared by everyone attending.

"In closing, I think this will be the best tourney ever."

Collins served as the USSA's Executive Director at the time of the first Championship back in 1991, and he presented the trophy to the first Champion, Tom Kollins, who would go on to win the Championship for a record five times and will also be competing in this year's event.

Kollins, who is the current serving vice-president of the USSA, said: "I was already a 55-year-old senior when I played in that first Championship. Now, as I approach my 80th birthday, I still have a great enthusiasm for the game and plan on being in the mix once again.

"With Tommy and Anita Chen as our hosts, this event promises to be among the best ever. Would not miss it for the world."

Amongst all the celebrations for the 25th Anniversary however, there will be a moment of remembrance before the commencement of the first day's play of the Championship for the Scottish professional snooker referee Hugh Brown, who acted as the USSA's Head Referee and Official Refereeing Coach & Examiner and was present at several Championships, who sadly passed away in August of last year.

The reigning Champion Ajeya Prabhakar will be back to defend his title, and he will be hoping for a better outcome this year as he has lost in both of the previous two finals played at the Prince Snooker Club to Ahmed Aly Elsayed.

Alan Morris, the current Executive Director of the USSA, said: "The USSA is very happy to be back at the Prince Snooker Club for this year's special anniversary Championship.

"I have been present at a previous Championship held at the Prince Snooker Club, and Tommy and his wonderful wife Anita are marvelous hosts and make everyone so very welcome with their enthusiasm and hospitality.

"I feel sure that this year's Championship will be one to remember."

The Prince Snooker Club is located at 6322 20th Avenue (2nd floor) in Brooklyn, and has a combination of five regulation standard snooker tables, Riley and B.L.P. brands, which are all kept in immaculate condition, and covered in Strachan 6811 snooker cloth using Aramith Tournament Champion snooker balls.

Mr. Chen is kindly adding a substantial amount in prize money, and the four semifinalists will be presented with B.L.P. snooker cues and cases. There will also be an Happy After Party for all in attendance at the conclusion of the Championship.

The Championship Entry document will shortly be published, and the entry system for eligible participants will be made available on the SnookerUSA.com website.