2009) N.S.T

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Chuan Leong pots his first National title

2009/09/02

Ajitpal Singh

THOR Chuan Leong received a tremendous boost ahead of December’s Laos Sea Games when he won his first National Snooker Championship title at the A-Que Centre in Bandar Sunway on Monday.

Chuan Leong beat former national player Mohamad Reza 6-2 in the final to pick up the winner’s cheque for RM5,000. Mohamad received RM2,000 for his effort.

In the final, the 23-year-old Chuan Leong started on the wrong note, losing the first frame before rallying to win 22-61, 60-40, 74-44, 64-52, 61-72, 56-44.

It was a great effort by Chuan Leong considering he was dropped from the national team for disciplinary reasons last year before being recalled for the Sea Games a month ago.

Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF) secretary Melvin Chia said the win is a perfect restart to Chuan Leong’s snooker career.

“I hope he will not get big-headed after winning the National Championship. I fear this may happen as previous national champions have become too arrogant after their success,” said Melvin yesterday.

“Chuan Leong, together with Sea Games partner Lai Chee Wei, will continue training at home until we arrange an overseas stint ahead of Laos.”

As for Reza’s hopes of representing the country again, Melvin said the federation will consider him for future international assignments.

“We do not want to interrupt national centralised training for the Sea Games by adding another player.

“Reza has not played abroad for a long time and he may under-perform in Laos,” added Melvin.

The players will now shift their focus to next week’s National Pool Championships at the same venue with veteran Ibrahim Amir, Patrick Ooi and Moh Keen Ho starting as favourites.

Taken from : N.S.T