FIJI’S snooker fraternity has received another timely boost with 24 players confirmed for this weekend’s Nausori Open.
The three-day tournament, sponsored by Central Fire Protection Services Pte Ltd, will be held at the Nausori Club from Friday to Sunday with players competing for a $2000 prize pool.
The Snooker and Billiards Sports Association of Fiji (SDBSAF) said the tournament reflects the steady growth of the sport despite the ongoing challenge of securing corporate sponsorship.
SDBSAF president David Ratnam said the association was grateful to Central Fire Protection Services Pte Ltd for backing the event at a time when attracting sponsors remained a challenge.
“We are thankful to Central Fire Protection Services Pte Ltd for their invaluable sponsorship and unwavering support for cue sports, especially during such challenging times when securing sponsorship is not easy,” Ratnam said.
Beyond the competition, Ratnam said the tournament highlighted the association’s efforts to expand the sport, with several first-time players set to test themselves against some of Fiji’s established cue sports competitors.
“This tournament provides a fantastic platform for both seasoned players and newcomers,” he said.
“We are particularly excited to see several new players participating for the first time, which reflects our commitment to nurturing talent within the sport.”
Ratnam also hopes the tournament will encourage more young people to take up snooker and view the sport as a positive outlet.
“In a bid to engage the youth and promote a healthy lifestyle, we encourage young people to embrace snooker as a positive alternative to drugs and substance abuse,” he said.
Entries for the tournament closed yesterday with the draw scheduled for 7pm at the Nausori Club.
