Ng survives marathon battle, Preet cruises into semis
Ng Hong Man survived a marathon contest while unheralded Preet Rathore eased to victory as both players advanced into the semi-final of the NT Sibu Closed Snooker Championship at NT Snooker centre here on Wednesday night.
Ng dug deep before overcoming veteran Mark Yeo 3-2 (61-86, 56-14, 76-9, 48-61, 64-13) in a marathon battle that lasted almost four hours.
“It was tiring and exhausting but it’s worth it,” said the 48-yearold Ng, dubbed as Panjang Seng.
The two players have crossed swords in as many times in the past years and both knew each other game.
Ng, who remained optimistic on his chances to lift the title, lost the first frame but managed to claim the second and third frame before Yeo secured the fourth match for a 2-2 score.
The final showdown could be anybody game but Yeo was unable to stay focus after showing signs of fatigue.
As a result, a much fitter Ng sailed to victory with an easy 6413 results the final frame.
Meanwhile, Preet continued his good run when he easily tore apart Dennis Eu Ming 3-0 (62-20, 59-48, 63-12) in a one-sided affair.
The Indian national had not won any title since he took part in the local snooker championship a year ago but is eyeing for glory this time round.
“I am happy to come thus far and hopefully, I will continue to play well and lift the elusive title,” he added.
The other semi-finalists are Yong Kung Chai and Lau Chii Tiing.
Yong edged Sim Hong Hui 3-2 (22-59, 53-34, 54-10, 25-58, 7354) while Lau beat Mohamad Ridhwan Marzuki, also at 3-2 (53-63, 32-42, 72-54, 53-26, 58-46) in another gruelling battle.
The tournament attracted a total of 48 players from five snooker centres.
The inaugural event offers RM3,888 as prize money for the champion, touted as the biggest ever in any local snooker tournament.
The runner-up will bag RM1,500 while joint third winners will pocket RM500 each.
A sum of RM388 is also offered to the highest break. It will snowball to RM888 if the player hits 60 points and above.