Ng aiming to defend title

By JACK AMI
THE week-long Bank South Pacific National Men’s Snooker Title cues off in Port Moresby today, with 40 competitors vying to be the last one standing.
Champion Marcus Ng will be out to defend his title against players from the Port Moresby, Lae and Alotau.
“Ng’s archrival Djorne Fong, from Kavieng, is unlikely to compete,” tournament director Joe Chan said yesterday.
He said Ralph Kaina, Willie Vaieke and Arua Simoi were expected to put up a strong challenge against Ng.
“Another is Yannis Nicholaou,” Chan said.
“He has a good chance of making the last 16, which all the players are looking forward to.
“The son of the late Peter Fong, Nathan, who lost to Marcus in the semifinal last year, will be another hopeful.
“These are the competitive group but the outsiders may cause surprises during the round robin.
“Our outstation pair of Robin Charles and Charles Elijah, from Alotau, are also trying to establish their mark in the national scene with good starts on the day.
Chan thanked BSP, The National, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd, Strickland Real Estate, South Pacific Brewery, and Nambawan Trophy Haus for supporting the event.