The United States Snooker Association (USSA) is pleased to announce that it has joined the Pan American Billiards and Snooker Association (PABSA), a new continental organization which has become a full member of the World Snooker Federation (WSF).

PABSA brings together key stakeholders such as the United States, Canada, Brazil and more, to offer a new platform to develop new opportunities through the WSF's mission to create a seamless structure for snooker's global development from amateur to professional.

The sport of snooker has a rich history in the Americas region, from the achievements of Canada's Cliff Thorburn who became our first-ever world champion from outside of the UK back in 1980, to the amazing 13-year-old Nicolly Christo of Brazil who impressed many at this year's WSF Championships as a potential star of the future.

The upcoming season will already see new American activity with World Seniors Snooker Tour qualifying events being staged in both Canada and the United States.

Jason Ferguson, WSF president, said: "WSF Continental and National Federations now span most of the world and we look forward to supporting the needs of our members, their players and officials. We are excited to work with people and organizations who clearly share our passion for billiards sports.

"Throughout the 1980s, professional snooker saw sporting greats from the Americas region, our global work continues to demonstrate that there are hidden talents in all parts of the world.

"Our job as a global federation is to reach out and ensure the opportunities are there for these talents. There is great potential in this part of the world and I would like to congratulate Ajeya Prabhakar of the USSA on making this federation a reality. It is with open arms that welcome PABSA to our family."

Ajeya Prabhakar, USSA president, said: "I am extremely thankful to Felipe Martins and Pedro Rolim from Brazil and to John White, Randall Morrison and Steve Cooper from Canada, for sharing the vision in our region and working hard toward our convergence into PABSA along with other countries.

"I would also like to thank Jason Ferguson who has tirelessly supported PABSA. We have come a long way with Jason's support and we are looking forward to working with the WSF and an exciting chapter ahead for us."