Organised by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Phuket Office, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Sports Association and the Phuket Snooker and Billiards Club, the “Snooker Phuket @ Sports City” tournament opened last Saturday (Aug 2) and concluded yesterday (Aug 7).
The event was held at Nimit Snooker Club in Talat Yai, with over 150 players representing 14 southern provinces taking part and cash prizes up to B50,000 at stake.
Competition conditions stipulated 6 Red Open Handicap, a variation of standard snooker where only six red balls are used, as opposed to 15, and where players are assigned handicaps to level the playing field.
The opening ceremony last Saturday was presided over by Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, while further welcome speeches were delivered by Thammawat Wongcharoenyos, SAT Board Member and President of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association, and SAT Director Thanawut Petchara.
Fellow digniatries joining the opening festivities included SAT head of regional sport Anchalee Wuttisak, and Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) Vice President Chalam Attham, in addition to representatives from government and public sector agencies.
Mr Thanawut explained the objectives of the tournament were to promote and develop the game of snooker within the southern region of Thailand by creating a standardised competition arena where players could develop skills and techniques to elevate themselves to national and international levels.
He further added that the event aligns with the Phuket ‘Sports City’ policy that leverages sports to help drive the economy, promote tourism and build the province’s image as a regional sports hub.
Mr Thammawat echoed these sentiments, stating that snooker is a very accessible game that enables athletes all of ages to showcase their potential and develop.
He added that Phuket is committed to encouraging its residents to pursuing a healthy lifestyle via exercise and this competition can contribute to Phuket being recognised as a truly sustainable sports city.