SIBU: Former state champion Mark Yeo will be the star attraction at the Sarawak Closed Central Region Snooker Championship to be held at Sibu Cueball International Centre from June 15 to 22.
The finalist in the 2013 Selangor Invitational Open Championship has set his sight on the prestigious title, saying: “I have been training regularly in the past months.”
Other favorites include Pau Chiong King, Ng Hong Man, Joe Ting, Sim Hong Hui (all from Sibu) and dark horse Yii Hong Kai from Sarikei.
Event organising chairman Danny Wong said they were among the 49 players who had confirmed their participation.
“We are looking at getting about 60 players,” he told a press conference yesterday in the presence of Sarawak Billiards & Snooker Sports Federation (SBSSF) vice chairman Simon Ling.
Wong said any player who has been residing in the central region for the past six months was eligible for participation.
He said the top four winners of each zone would represent the state in the 2015 Asian Invitational Championship in Kuala Lumpur.
“All the expenses for the players will be borne by the organiser. This is a big bonus for the top 16 players from the three zones.”
He explained this was to give the top players from the three zones a chance to experience top level competitions in the nation.
“Instead of staging the grand final for the winners from the three zones, we had decided to send all the top 12 players to Kuala Lumpur for them to gain exposure and experience.”
Wong said players from areas like Sarikei, Meradong, Kanowit, Selangau, Mukah, Dalat, Oya, Balingian, Belaga were for the central zone.
Of the 49 players who had registered, he said Sibu players accounted for the bulk.
Sibu Cueball International are sending 16 representatives, Executive 3 Snooker Centre will send 11 players, First Class Snooker Centre have 10, Centre Point Snooker Centre have six players, Sibu Division Billiards & Snooker Association and Lucky Snooker Centre have four each.
Other players include two each from Sarikei, Kapit, Mukah and one each from Betong, Saratok, Meradong.
The winner will get RM1,500 and the first runner-up will get RM800.
The semi-finalists will each get RM400 and the quarter-finalists will each get RM100.
The player achieving the highest break with a minimum of 70 points will get RM500.
For the Sibu zone, those interested to take part should contact Danny Wong at 016-8629978 or email to [email protected] or contact Simon at 012-8809725.
Entry fee is RM30 per person and the closing date is May 31.