Billiard, snooker preparations still to be finalised
The Lao Billiard and Snooker Federation is as yet unready to hold preparatory events in the lead up to the SEA Games being held in Vientiane in December.
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A national snooker player trains at the Lao Snooker Federation. |
The Federation's President, Mr Pasitxay Luangkhoth, said hiring a suitable venue remained an outstanding challenge.
“We have our own venue, but it is small, and we lack some equipment required for holding an international competition.”
Mr Pasitxay added that the federation did not have the budget to hire a bigger venue as well as organise the competition.
Three male billiards and five male snooker players are training in Bangkok in preparation for an international billiard and snooker event from August 26 to September 25.
The Lao snooker team are expected to have a good opportunity to rank well, while the Lao billiard team will have to fight hard to overcome some strong competition.
Both teams are lacking in experience at the national and international level ahead of the 25th SEA Games.
Two billiard and snooker trainers from Thailand will help develop and improve the skill of Lao teams in Vientiane after finishing the event.
The Thai trainers will be with the Lao teams from September until the conclusion of the games.
For the past six months, the Lao billiard and snooker teams have been trained by Lao trainers.
Mr Pasitxay said the Thai trainers efforts would help improve the Lao teams' chances of winning a medal at their home event.
The SEA Games Organising Committee has provided the international standard billiard and snooker venue at Don Chan Palace in Vientiane for holding the billiard and snooker events during the games.
At Don Chan Palace , there will be 23 standard tables from Thailand for billiard and snooker events.
At the end of November, the venue will be fitted with billiard and snooker tables and any other necessary equipment.
Manager of Construction for the 25th SEA Games, Mr Khiengkham Phoutchanhthavongsa said some of the budget would be used to rent the venue and seating during the events.
Billiard and snooker events at the 25th Games will both consist of men's singles and doubles.
The Lao snooker team failed to bring home a medal from the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007. Last December, the Lao Snooker Federation held an event at the eighth National Games in Champassak province.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
August 31, 2009
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