Handicap snooker challenge on again

 THE Port Moresby Billiards and Snooker Association has thanked Pacific MMI Insurance for its sponsorship of the Port Moresby snooker handicap challenge for a seventh year.

Association president Roger Wilson said the Port Moresby handicap challenge had come a long way and had grown in that many more people, including women, had taken up the challenge.

“The handicap challenge is the biggest individual event on our calendar with up to 64 players taking part,” Wilson said.

He said there were more than 250 players affiliated to the association and the first 64 players who registered would take part.

“Last year, we received 83 nominations but only 64 could take part and there were many disappointed players. No late nominations and registration will be entertained,” Wilson said.

He said the event was getting more popular every year and the association wanted to maintain the high standards it already offered.

The challenge will test those who have just taken up the sport and have high handicaps in competing against some of the best in the game in the tournament that runs from October 24-November 3.

Defending champion Kelly Yambi won with a handicap of 10 when he beat Arua Simoi with a handicap of zero last year.

The registration fee is K150 and registration closes at 5pm on Thursday, October 24.

That will be followed by a briefing and games will start that evening for the next 10 days, with the finals to be held on November 3.

The association has already hosted several tournaments, including the national snooker championship won by Djorne Fong.