Bids for snooker titles to close

NOMINATIONS for this year’s BSP National Minor Snooker Titles close at 8pm tonight.
There is space for only 40 players with a handicap of 20 or more.
Papua New Guinea Billiards and Snooker Association (PNGBSA) vice-president John Chan, pictured, said the nomination fee of K200 must be paid before registration closes at 8pm.
“A K50 discount will apply to those who pay before the deadline   and because the tournament is limited to 40 players, the dicount will be considered on a first-pay, first-register basis,” Chan said.
He said those who paid after the deadline will pay the full K200.
Last year’s champion, Monty Fong, will not defend his title as his handicap has been reduced to 15.
Chan said a large contingent of players is expected from Kavieng, as well as Alotau and Lae.
The minor titles cue off next Wednesday (Sept 7), with the finals on Sunday (Sept 11).
He said nomination fees for the major snooker titles close on Monday (Sept 12).
“Fees are K250 and a discount of K50 will apply to those who pay before the deadline,” Chan said.
He said only 40 players, who had a handicap of 20 or less, will compete in the major BSP snooker titles.
“This is the major title and preference will be given to players based on their national ranking,” he said.
Fong has nominated for the majors and will be up against elder brother and eight-time champion Djorne and last year’s player-of-the-year Marcus Ng.
“The major titles cue off on Wednesday (Sept 14) and end with the finals on Sunday (Sept 18).
“We will know by then how the two brothers will fare,” Chan said.
He said that nine new accredited referees, who completed their course recently with Adam Wyard, including the current 11 accredited referees, will officiate during this year’s minor and major National Snooker Championships.
“They will officiate following strict guidelines and this will raise the standard of the event,” Chan said.
Chan thanked BSP for their 14th consecutive year of sponsorship in particular platinum sponsors Pacific MMI, The National, NGCB; gold sponsors – Niche, Graffiti Signs, Strickland Real Estate, Huawei, Street Scene; and silver sponsors Grant Agencies Ltd, Nings Agencies and Kwila Insurance Corporation, for their support.
He thanked the management and staff of the Q Club, Laguna Hotel and Aviat Club for the use of their facilities.