Isda delivers Swan City Cup upset
SIBU: Little known Isda Lau stunned red-hot favourite Ng Hong Man 3-2 (54- 46, 12- 58, 52-29, 32- 53, 63- 43) to win the first leg of Swan City Snooker Cup at Centre Point here Wednesday night.
He pocketed RM1,000 and a trophy while Ng took home RM500 and a trophy.
The result was the biggest upset of the tournament, which earlier saw another title favourite Mark Yeo dumped out by Daniel in straight sets in the first round.
“I’m just playing my usual game throughout the championship and continue the same rhythm. Perhaps, that tactics helped me to pull through,” Lau said.
Ng, last season Sarawak Closed champion, was heavily favoured to win against inconsistent Lau as he had never lost to him in their previous encounters.
However, Lau refused to be intimidated as he fought back point for points and frames for frames, pushing Ng towards defeat in the final stages.
Lau’s excellent performance and accurate pot ting ski l ls wowed the spectators, with many expressing disbelief over the unexpected result.
In the fifth frame, leading at 4543 with three remaining colour balls to play, it could still be anybody game.
Ng tried a long shot for the break for the blue which, unfortunately for him, ended up at the precarious corner, only for Lau to step in and clear the table to take the title.
Joint thirds were Sim Hong Hui and Daniel Satem - each bagged RM250 and a trophy.
A record number of 55 players, including 15 new faces, took part in the championship, played in fivelegs over a year-long duration.
Yeo, who is also tournament initiator, expressed satisfaction over the big turnout, saying it could augured well for the development of the sport.
“We are happy that the event had attracted at least 15 new players who have never taken part in the competition and this will go a long way to help promote the game here,” he added.
Yeo said the championship had also unearthed new talents, another indication that the sport will remain relevant.
The second leg will be held at Executive 3 Snooker Centre in October, followed by the third-leg at Lucky 7 in January 2018, fourthleg at First Class Snooker Centre in April 2018 and the final leg at Cueball Centre in July 2018.