10 hours ago
Malaysian snooker still excels despite budget cuts, says federation president
KUALA LUMPUR: Budget cuts and limited exposure have never stopped Malaysia's snooker stars from shining, and Thor Chuan Leong 's latest triumph proves it yet again.
The 37-year-old created history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Asian Six-Red Championship in Colombo on Wednesday, a feat hailed as a timely morale booster by Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF) president Melvin Chia.
With the Thailand Sea Games on the horizon, Chuan Leong's stunning victory couldn't have come at a better time.
Compounding the good news, compatriot Lim Kok Leong also impressed by reaching the quarter-finals in what was his first international appearance in nearly two years.
"There wasn't much expectation, especially for Kok Leong, as this was his first official overseas tournament since the 2023 Sea Games," said Melvin.
"Due to budget constraints, we couldn't send our players to any officially-sanctioned events abroad over the past two years. But they stayed composed and delivered when it mattered."
Chuan Leong's resurgence marks another chapter in Malaysia's golden era of snooker, led by himself, Kok Leong, and Moh Keen Ho — a trio that has carried the nation's hopes on the regional, continental and world stages since 2007.
Keen Ho clinched singles gold at the 2007 Thailand Sea Games.
Chuan Leong followed up with doubles gold alongside Sam Chong in Indonesia 2011, the six-red title in Myanmar 2013, and both singles and doubles (with Keen Ho) in Singapore 2015.
Kok Leong captured six-red gold in Vietnam 2021 and doubles gold with Keen Ho in the Philippines 2019.
Malaysia continued to dominate at the 2023 Cambodia Games, with Chuan Leong taking singles gold and Keen Ho winning the six-red event.
The team also bagged silver in doubles (Kok Leong-Keen Ho) and two bronzes - Kok Leong in singles and the six-red doubles with Keen Ho.
Beyond the region, Malaysia's proudest moment on the amateur world stage came in 2015 when Keen Ho and Kok Leong lifted the World Team Championship in Pakistan.
"Chuan Leong came into this event hungry after losing his World Snooker Tour status," said Melvin.
"His performance revealed both strengths and areas to improve, which will help us fine-tune his Sea Games preparations.
"Kok Leong also had his moments, but unforced errors in the quarter-finals showed what still needs work.
"The MSBF will continue sending both players to regional and international events through to the year-end, in the hope of sharpening them for Thailand, and ultimately, bringing home more gold medals."
