John begins title defence

By JACK AMI
GEUA John begins her title defence when the women’s division of the Bank South Pacific National Snooker Titles cues off in Port Moresby today.
Among others, Papua New Guinea No.1 John is expected to face stiff opposition from 2017 champion Hane Vaieke, last year’s runner-up Madeline Kaina, Helen Samuel and May Vare in The National-sponsored tournament.
Thirty-two players are expected to compete in the four-day women’s event.
The men’s event is expected to cue off a week later. PNG Billiards and Snooker Association president John Chan said the country’s top-16 players in men division would automatically qualify for the Titles, while the others had to earn their spot via a qualifier.
The men’s winner will receive the BSP Cup and K4,000, and the women’s victor takes home K2,500.
Other prizes are expected to be awarded.
BSP are the naming-rights sponsor while The National, SP Brewery and Strickland Real Estate are the platinum sponsors.
DKS Automotive and Video Worx are among the gold sponsors.