SIBU: Tournament director Danny Wong is on cloud nine as the Sibu Snooker Challenge Cup he mooted several years ago finally got off to a flying start last Sunday at Executive 3 Snooker Centre.
With four local snooker operators – Sibu Executive 3 Snooker Centre, Cueball International, Lucky 7 Snooker Club and Centre Point Snooker Centre – teaming up to host stages of the event over a month, “snooker enthusiasts will travel from one centre to another to watch the matches unfold and this will boost the sport,” said Danny.
Eight players from each centre are playing in the tournament divided into four groups, where the top four will qualify for the last 16 to be played on a single knock-out basis.
The top four winners will represent Sibu for the coming Sarawak Closed (May 2-7) to be held in Sarikei Cue Repok Centre.
Wong said the ultimate aim of this tournament is to ensure the sport remains relevant.
“For the past years, there had been a lot of talk and promises from the relevant government bodies about introducing new agenda to popularise the sport. Unfortunately, these is all empty talk without action,” he said.
Wong, who has been instrumental in promoting snooker in the central region, said the onus was left to enthusiasts before interest in the sport got cold.
“We really do not have any choice but have to work hard ourselves to rejuvenate the sport. That is the only way forward,” he added.
The opening and first round matches were held at Executive 3 and the closing at Cueball International while Centre Point and Lucky 7 also get to host certain stages.
“Instead of concentrating the competition in one venue, this new format ensures matches are spread evenly throughout Sibu town. — by Philip Wong