X-World Cup promises exciting treat for snooker fans

PETALING JAYA: Local snooker fans are in for a treat next month.

X-World Cup, an invitational tournament pitting some of the world’s best cueists including former world No. 5 Stephen Lee of England and current women’s world No. 1 Ng On-yee (pic) of Hong Kong, will be held at the Cueclubz in Bandar Sunway from June 18-24.

The competition, which offers RM80,000 in prize funds, is organised by X-World and is sanctioned by the Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF).

The other top players set for the inaugural event are Thai trio Noppon Saengkham, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Nutcharut Wongharuthai.

Noppon and Thepchaiya, who currently ply their trades on the World Snooker Tour, were former world amateur champions while Nutcharut is ranked 17th in the women’s world rankings.

The local challenge will be spearheaded by Moh Keen Hoo and Lim Kok Leong.

But all eyes will be on Hong Kong’s On-yee, who made history in March by becoming the first Asian to top the women’s world rankings.

The 27-year-old, also a three-time world champion, has become even more ambitious ever since – setting her sights on changing the male-dominated game’s image and encouraging more women worldwide to follow in her footsteps.

“We’re excited to have such an interesting field of players in this event, especially with the participation of On-yee and Nutcharut, who are two of the best women players in the world,” said MSBF president Melvin Chia.

“They will be going against the men in a very challenging environment. Snooker fans can also look forward to seeing Stephen Lee in action after his lay-off from tournaments for some time.”

The tournament features a 64-player knockout format. A total of 32 seeded players will receive automatic qualification, leaving another 32 spots up for grabs in the qualifying rounds.