Veteran Ibrahim aiming for pool singles gold
AT 55, pool player Ibrahim m Amir’s appetite for competition isi still as strong as ever.
No target has been set by the Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF), but the Sabahan is personally targeting the pool singles gold at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
Ibrahim is set to come full circle in the Games, having made his debut when Malaysia last played hosts in 2001.
He competed in all the next seven editions, winning a silver and three bronzes.
Ibrahim finished runner-up in the eight-ball singles at the 2003 Hanoi Gam mes and was a three-time lo osing semi-finalist in the eight-balle singles and nine-balln doubles (Korat 2007) and 15-ball doubles (Manila 2005). “I’m just going to keep pursuing for the gold. I believe nothing is impossible,” said the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games silver medallist. “I have a lot left in the tank and the desire to win is still there. If I think I’m not competitive enough, I wouldn’t bother competing.” Ibrahim is unfazed by the top field of competitors, especially from the Philippines.
The Filipinos have world No. 9 Carlo Biado, defending champion Dennis Orcollo and world No. 17 Warren Kiamco.
“I will try to give the big names a run for their money.
“In my career, I have beaten players like former world champions Efren Reyes and Alex Pagulayan of the Philippines in professional tournaments. I fear no one,” said Ibrahim
Ibrahim will also play the role of mentor to his debutant teammates Darryl Chia and Almie Yakup. Both are only 17.
Only three golds – men’s singles and doubles and women’s singles – are at stake in nine-ball pool.
The two Malaysians in the women’s competition are Klaudia Djajalie and Suhana Dewi Sabtu.
The snooker and billiards competition will be held at the KLCC Convention Centre from Aug 22-27.