Veteran snooker players claim unfair treatment by MBSF

BY RIZAL ABDULLAH

JOHOR BARU: Four veteran snooker players have called on the Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF) not to deny them the chance to compete in international tournaments. 

Led by the 43-year-old Sam Chong, the group alleged that the MSBF were giving them “unfair treatment” and “not giving us the chance to prove our worth” in international championships, including the SEA Games and the Asian Games. 

The others in the discontented group are Yong Kien Foot, 34, Wong Ann Seng, 44 and Chew Lean Teng, 35. The quartet called for a press conference yesterday to voice their disappointment with the MSBF. 

Sam, who acted as the group's spokesman, said: “We are not out to create a fuss or be disrespectful. But we feel we need better treatment from the MBSF. 

“There should be respect for our contributions to the country. After all, we brought glory to the country in many international tournaments, including the SEA Games. Why ignore us when we can still contribute?” 

HEARTFELT PLEA: Sam Chong (centre) and his fellow veteran snooker players voicing their disappointment with the MBSF at a press conference in Johor Baru on Monday. - STARpic by A. Rahman Embong

However, Sam, who two gold medals in the 1993 SEA Games, four in 1995 and one each in 1997, 1999, made it clear that they had nothing against the MBSF decision to bring in young players. 

“We will gladly back out if the youngsters can beat us,” said Sam, who also won a gold medal in the 1998 Asian Games. 

“There is no question about it. We will quit if the younger players can beat us. But we are sad and upset that the MBSF have turned to the younger players to represent the country without even testing them against us. 

“Age should not be a criteria of selection in a sport like snooker.” 

Kien Foot said that for some of them, snooker is their profession. 

“They keep their family going with the prize money they earn from tournaments,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Ooi Chin Kay emerged as the champion in the 17th Malaysian Snooker Championships, which ended here on Sunday. 

The 34-year-old top seed defeated five-time winner Sam 6-4 in the final. Ching Kay pocketed RM3,000 for his efforts while Sam earned RM1,500. 

Ching Kay, who won two gold medals at the 1998 Asian Games, has retired from international tournaments.