FOR snooker player Walter Robinson, embracing the opportunity to compete in the 2026 East v West competition is an avenue to compete against some of his peers in the sport from around the country.
The competition, which takes place at the Merchant Club in Suva on Sunday, sees 80 players face off in various categories.
And for Robinson, it’s the continuation of a journey that began when he was 13-years-old.
Over the years, he has honed his craft and understanding of the game through more competition and via videos he would watch on the video-sharing service YouTube.
“I watched the YouTube videos of matches overseas with professional players and I watched their techniques, their skill level of playing and after that, practicing through my games and trying to put it on the table,” he said.
Robinson’s 33-year-journey in playing snooker has seen him travel overseas for competitions in what he says has been a very good experience.
“Very much,” when asked how rewarding his experience was of playing the sport.
“It’s satisfying, making new friends and travelling to new places; I’ve travelled overseas and it’s a very, very good experience – no regrets.”
And while the sport’s aging demographic of older players continues to be the case, the interest shown by younger players has been an assuring sight for Robinson and his fellow players who aim to see the sport continue its onward growth.
He has called on members of the public to come out in numbers to witness him and fellow competitors this Sunday.
“May the best team win,” he said.
The East v West Snooker Competition, is sponsored by retail groceries and supermarket chain Shop N Save.
The Southern Division Billiards and Snooker Association will host the competition in the Capital City, after the North West Billiards and Snooker Association (NWBSA) did so at the Lautoka Club last year.
Defending champions Team West scooped the title last year after winning 10 out of 17 frames.
