Kong (centre) at the opening of the championship while (from left) tournament director Danny, Yeo and Southern Snooker Centre owner Peter Liong look on.
SIBU: A total of 48 players have entered for the 3rd leg Sibu City Swan Snooker Championship which began Tuesday night at Southern Snooker Centre here.
They include two women – rookies Kong Ling Feng and Yeo Wen Tiing – who are in their 30s and admitted they are out merely to enjoy the thrill of competition.
‘It’s not so much about winning titles but rather it’s the spirit of participation that prompted me to join the game,” Kong said.
Kong, who is also the owner of Southern Snooker Centre, hopes her participation will inspire more women to take part in snooker competitions in future as snooker is a sport suitable for all races and ages.
Tournament organiser Mark Yeo described the two female entries as another breakthrough.
“We do not have many ladies taking part in snooker competitions and we are glad to attract two ladies to take part this time,” he said.
Of the participants, 10 each represent Southern Snooker Centre, Cueball Centre and Executive 3 Snooker Centre; four each from Club Cue Repok Sarikei and 1st Class Snooker Centre; two from Centre Point Snooker Centre and one from Meradong.
Expressing gratitude to Club Cue Repok Sarikei proprietor Elvis Wong for sending four players, Yeo added: “This is the spirit of participation which should be enhanced and treasured to ensure that the players’ interests in the game remain relevant.”
The Sibu City Swan Snooker Championship, aimed at upgrading the standard of the local snookers and to foster closer rapport among the players, is a five-legged tournament to be held in five snooker centres over the year.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, two remaining legs will not be held.