Garia is snooker handicap champion

FRANK Garia is the new 2010 Pacific MMI Port Moresby snooker handicap champion.
He defeated Ralph Kaina 5-0 in the best of nine-frame final at the Port Moresby Country Club last Sunday.
The Port Moresby Billiards and Snooker Association’s public relations officer John Chan said Kaina, on a handicap of 10, gave Garia a 25 start in every frame, had his chances with his accurate potting to score points and lessen the difference but lost his opportunities when missing the colours that mattered.
“Ralph had his chance to stay in front on the scoreboard after giving Frank a 25 start but lost it on the pink where Garia always had the good fortune on the pink to give him the win,” Chan said.
Before meeting Kaina in the finals, Garia defeated Brian Fong (5) 4-2 in the semi-finals, Charlie Tom (30) in the quarter-finals and Samariti Korimbo (45) in the top 16 and Charlie Theseira (25) in the top 32.
Sixty-four players participated in the event which was played over 10 days starting Oct 21.
“It was another successful event and I wish to thank Pacific MMI and the managing director Wayne Dorgan for supporting the event for the past three years,” Chan said.
He also acknowledged the support of gold sponsors Grafitti Signs, Imprint Copy Centre, Kokoda Tailoring, Southern Cross Pumps & Irrigation and UMW Niugini, the silver sponsors Ela Motors, Holiday Inn, Lamana Hotel and Niugini Glass and Aluminium and bronze sponsors Carpenters Estate and Nationwide Loss Adjusters and Marine Surveyors.
“We have had a new champion each year since this event started five years ago where everyone starts on an equal-footing with their handicaps. The support of the sponsors Pacific MMI and everyone is appreciated as a new winner each year indicates that the sport of snooker is growing and the handicap event is very popular,” Chan said.