Patrick proves he still has bite in snooker

2009/08/28

Ajitpal Singh

NATIONAL discard Patrick Ooi turned in a commendable performance to qualify for the main draw of the 23rd National Snooker Championships at the A-Que Centre in Bandar Sunway on Wednesday.

Patrick, a former Sea Games medallist in pool, swept past unknown Lim Hua Sern 3-0 (73-21, 59-49, 54-19) and will face Tan Tian Aun, also a qualifier, in his first round match today.

Tuan Aun beat Calvin Hang 3-1 (44-73, 80-13, 58-38, 55-31) in his qualifying round match on Wednesday.

Patrick, a well known pool player, is also strong in snooker. He was crowned national snooker champion twice — 2002 and 2006.

Patrick Ooi beat Lim Hua Sern 3-0.

The 36-year-old has not represented the country since dropping out of the 2007 Korat Sea Games squad.

Meanwhile, second seed Thor Chun Leong hopes to make a mark in the National Championships ahead of the Laos Sea Games in December.

The Klang-born player has never gone beyond the quarter-finals of the national championships. He will open accounts against club player Tang Seng Teck today.