VINEEL Nand carried the Fiji flag to one of the biggest stages in cue sports when he competed at the Duya Legends Golden Nine International tour global finals competition, which ends today.
The Nadi-based player departed for Beijing, China on Sunday to take part in the prestigious nine-ball billiards tournament there, which has attracted more that 190 players from around the world and boasts a prize money of nearly five million Fijian dollars.
Nand said representing Fiji and the Pacific at such a high-level event was a proud and historical achievement.
“I really feel proud it’s a historical moment for Fiji and the Pacific as well,” Nand said.
The experienced cue sports player says he is looking forward to testing himself against some of the world’s best players.
“My target is to finish in the top 16 at least,” he said.
“I really have to make Fiji proud. Previously I’ve already done it, and I’ll make sure this time Fiji is out on the map.”
The tournament featured Chinese nine ball billiards; a variation of the game played on a smaller table than traditional snooker and requiring players to put balls in numerical order from one to ten.
Nand said the competition would be unlike anything regularly played in Fiji.
“The tournament I’m going to take part in is a totally different ball game from what we are playing in Fiji,” he said.
“It’s a huge event that has attracted athletes from all over the world and we are already through to stage two of the competition.”
His invitation to the tournament follows years of success at both local and international competition, including appearances in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Mauritius.
Nand’s journey in cue sports began in 2010 when he won several local tournaments as a junior player and claimed a gold medal in billiards at the Fiji games.
Despite balancing work and family commitments, he has remained active in the sport and continues to represent Fiji.
The trip has received support from Billiards and Snooker Association of Fiji, sponsors, family members, and supporters.
Tournament organisers have also provided accommodation during his stay in China.
