Snooker body appeals for monetary help

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KUCHING: Sarawak Amateur Snooker Association (Sasa) is appealing for financial assistance from the state government to raise the standard of the game in Sarawak.

A GAME FOR ALL: Some players with Lee (seated) in Sasa’s headquarters at Jalan Tabuan Dayak.

A GAME FOR ALL: Some players with Lee (seated) in Sasa’s headquarters at Jalan Tabuan Dayak.

Sasa president Lee Juk Chiang said since the establishment of the state snooker’s governing body back in 2007, the state government had yet to give its full attention to the association in developing the sport.

“We will continue to develop the sport by organising more tournaments while hoping the state government will help us,” he said here yesterday.

Lee pointed out that the sport made headlines in 2007 but then the attention from the media and state government came to an abrupt end.

“From that day onwards, we had to source out financial aid from individuals and private bodies to sponsor our events,” he added. Lee said Sasa had never imposed any fees to its members and its headquarters at Jalan Tabuan Dayak here had become a favourite place among sports journalists.

“Here, we treat our members like family and everyone is welcome to join us for the love of the game,” he added.

Earlier, Sasa secretary general Nicholas Lee announced that the association would organise the 6th Gawai Novice Open next month.

The competition, which is from May 24-31, will be held at Sasa’s headquarters.

The champion will walk away with RM500 together with a trophy while the second runner-up will receive RM250.

“Those who make it to semis will receive RM100,” said Lee, adding that the registration fee would be RM15 for SASA members and RM30 for non-members.

This will be the second event organised by Sasa after the Chinese New Year Open which attracted a total of 70 players in February.

He hoped that more fans of the sport would join the competition especially those from the corporate sector.

Lee added that Sasa had already received 30 entries during the first week of promotion.

Last year’s Gawai Novice Open was won by David Lim.

“David will not be playing in the novice category as he has moved up a level to amateur,” added Lee.