The Southern Ranking tournament is set to make a much-anticipated return to Fiji after a five-year hiatus, signaling a resurgence for billiards and snooker in the region. David Shiu Ratnam, the newly elected president of the Southern Billiards and Snooker Association of Fiji (SDBSAF), is at the forefront of this revival.

Ratnam attributed the tournament’s long absence to several challenges, notably the inactivity of the previous committee and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed optimism about rekindling interest in the sport with the tournament’s return. “The inactivity of the previous committee and the impact of COVID-19 made it difficult to sustain the tournament,” Ratnam stated.

The new management team has ambitious plans to launch a comprehensive tournament calendar for 2025. The calendar begins with the first Open Ranking tournament from January 24-26 and includes several exciting events, such as the East vs. West challenge in February, the six Reds tournament in June, and the Veterans Snooker and Billiards tournament in July. The year’s activities will culminate in an Awards Night in December, celebrating players and community achievements.

Ratnam emphasized that the association’s revitalization efforts focus on youth development, community engagement, and forging partnerships to elevate the sport’s visibility. In connection to this, the current enthusiasm surrounding snooker competitions in Fiji, highlighted by increased participation in recent tournaments, reinforces the potential for growth in the sport. For instance, the recent Fiji Billiards and Snooker Association (FBSA) tournament saw over 75 players register, a substantial increase from previous years.

The return of the Southern Ranking tournament represents a crucial step toward rejuvenating snooker in Fiji and creating opportunities for players at all levels. With community support and a clear vision for growth, the future looks bright for billiards and snooker enthusiasts in the region.