Fiji’s top three snooker players are preparing to represent the nation at the upcoming Asia Pacific Snooker & Billiard Championship, scheduled to take place in Australia from March 30 to April 3. The players, Sahil Prasad, Deepak Jai Ram, and Jiten Prasad, will compete against approximately 110 competitors from various countries, with strong contenders expected from snooker powerhouses like China and England.
The Billard & Snooker Association of Fiji is sending its top-ranked players to this prestigious tournament for the second year in a row. Raymond Reddy, the association’s vice president, expressed optimism about their players’ potential to progress beyond the initial pool stages, stating, “We hope our players do come out of the pool stages and go into the knockout stages; it will be a great achievement for Fiji.”
Despite snooker’s minor status in Fiji, the association is dedicated to elevating the sport’s profile internationally, aiming to make a significant impact through the dedication of its players. The championship’s winner will receive $A15,000, equivalent to about $F21,671, making it a competitive event with major stakes.
This commitment to fostering talent is echoed by the increased enthusiasm around snooker in Fiji, as demonstrated in recent tournaments. For instance, the Fiji Billiards and Snooker Association’s recent events showed a notable rise in participant numbers, reflecting a vibrant and growing snooker community in the region.
With the combination of skilled players and a supportive organization, Fiji is hopeful that its players will shine on the international stage, igniting further interest in snooker within the country.
Overall, as global snooker events gain traction, Fiji’s participation serves as a testament to the potential growth of the sport in the region, fostering a promising future for aspiring players.
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