Cuemuls team named

 THE Papua New Guinea ‘Cuemuls’ snooker team for the 2016 Oceania Billiards and Snooker championships in Sydney later this month was named yesterday.

Acting Port Moresby Billiards and Snooker Association president Stewart Nikints, speaking as acting PNGBSA vice-president, said the six men, five women and two officials were selected after fulfilling all selection criteria including commitment to training and punctuality.

“It was quite hard to select the final side but these players have been recommended by the selection committee and on behalf of PNGBSA president Peter Fong and deputy John Chan, I am happy to endorse the final team,” Nikints said.

Nikints said the committee was still awaiting response from several companies for sponsorship. 

“It will cost about K70,000 to send the team,” he said.  “It will cost each player about K6500 for travel and accommodation and if they can find sponsorship, they can attend,” Nikints added.

He said the Oceania tournament was the only time snooker players had the opportunity to represent the country and play against some of the best in the region, if not the world.

“If nothing is forthcoming, then we will only send one male and one female to represent PNG and to keep the country in the snooker and billiards code in the region,” Nikints said.

The Oceania Billiards and Snooker tournament will be held in Sydney from February 27 to March 5. 

Cuemuls: Men – Djorne Fong, Brian Fong, Nathan Fong, Ralph Kaina, Kelly Yambi, Willie Vaieke; Women – Geua John, Helen Samuel, Madeleine Kaina, Damita Bray, Hane Vaieke; Officials – Jonathan Cavanagh, Ida Keni.