David Tan competes in Hanoi 9 Ball Open

(l-r) SBSSF David Tan and Miri City Council Mayor Lawrence Lai

MIRI: David Tan will represent Sarawak Billiards and Snooker Sports Federation (SBSSF) in the 2nd Hanoi Open 9 Ball tournament to be held in Hanoi from July 18 to 22.

Tan was in invited by the Vietnam Billiard Media JSC to play in the annual international billiard tournament organised by Hanoi Department of Culture Sports and Tourism.

“Miri is proud to have a talented and professional billiard player to represent Sarawak in the international event,” said Miri mayor Lawrence Lai.

Lai added that Tan who is also SBSSF deputy chairman would take the chance to promote Miri by distributing brochures, CDs and other Miri City Council (MCC) promotional items while in Hanoi.

At the same time, the mayor urged the local community to change their negative perception toward billiard centres as dark and smoky places because now it is no more set up that way.

“Now all billiard centres have to obey all the rules particularly the prohibition of selling alcoholic drinks and even some place made available non-smoking area,” he said on billiard now becoming a good indoor activity especially for the young generation to sharpen their skills of accuracy and game strategy.

“Playing billiard needs precision and strategic skills in pocketing the balls, thus with continuous practise it will sharpen our mental fit,” he explained.

The billiard competition to offers a total prize money of USD13,000 where various international players are also participating including those from Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei.

Meanwhile, David disclosed that it is the first time for him to compete in the prestigious event even though he had previous experience competing in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

According to him, SBSSF recently had initiated a 9-Ball friendly match with Labuan held on July 6 to 8 where 13 players from Sarawak participated.

“Our active participation in tourney is in line with SBSSF’s objective of promoting billiards in Sarawak and to foster good relationships with our counterparts from our neighbouring states,” he added.

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[ Clipping taken from The Borneo Post ]