BSP backs titles with K40,000

By Martha Deruage
The Bank South Pacific (BSP) has maintained its sponsorship of the National Snooker Titles with a presentation of K40,000 for this year’s tournament.
This is the 17th year that BSP has sponsored the men’s national title, but first for the women’s following the withdrawal of their major sponsor.
The National is a platinum sponsor of the tournament.
“The Papua New Guinea Billiards and Snooker Association is again grateful to BSP for their support to the PNG men’s national snooker title and for the first time, the women’s national title,” acting president John Chan said.
“The women’s national title was previously held on its own around May/June each year.
“However, due to loss of their major sponsorship, we asked BSP to take on the women’s and men’s title to make it a national event.”
Chan said so far, only Port Moresby and Alotau were affiliated with the association and their players were eligible to compete.
“We anticipate other centres like Kavieng, Kimbe and Lae, and other interested associations to affiliate so their players can compete,” he said.
Chan thanked The National, Strickland Real Estate, Lamana Hotel, Trophy Haus, SP Brewery and Streets Scene for supporting the titles.
“These championships will be in memory of our president late Peter Fong,” he said.
“He will be missed in this tournament but his legacy will live on.”
BSP’s Gorethy Semi said the company was pleased to continue its support of the tournament.
She wished all the players well for the tournament.
The women’s title cues off on Sept 4 and the men start a week later on Sept 11.
Nominations are open, with 40 players each expected for the women’s and men’s category.
The participation fee for women is K150 and K200 for men.