GA_googleAddSlot("ca-pub-1197233282945943", "Star_Sports_Skyscraper");

Sports

Sunday October 11, 2009

Local champion Ibrahim now wants to stamp his mark in Laos

PETALING JAYA: Newly crowned national 9-ball pool singles champion Ibrahim Amir has set his sight on the gold medal at the Laos SEA Games in December.

The 47-year-old Sabahan said he is ready to take on the top field of competitors, especially the Filipinos led by former world champion Ronato Alcano and four-time SEA Games gold medallist, Lee Vann Corteza.

“I lost to Alcano in the semi-final at the last SEA Games in Korat and it was real close,” said Ibrahim, who went on to finish with the bronze medal.

Alcano defeated Vann Corteza for the singles gold and the duo are set to be top seeds for the 8-ball and 9-ball pool events in Laos.

However, Ibrahim, who defeated Tony Chong (13-4) in the 2nd national 9-ball pool final on Saturday, said he would give the big names a run for their money in Laos.

“I am no stranger to this game. I started playing at the age of 12 and have even beaten some of the finest pool players – former world champions Efren Reyes and Alex Pagulayan of the Philippines – in professional tournaments.

“All I need is some consistency and luck and the gold should be mine. My best achievement is the silver medal at the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games when I lost to Corteza in the final. The Philippines have always dominated the pool events because they have a rich tradition in the game.”

A total of 10 golds will be at stake in the snooker and billiards competition in Laos. They are five for pools, two for billiards, two for snooker and one for carom.

The squad to Laos comprise of Thor Chuan Leong, Lai Chee Wei (snooker), Benjamin Lee, Ibrahim Amir, Esther Kwan, Suhana Dewi Sabtu (pool), Roslan Yurnalis and Chooi Yew Wah (billiards).

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

Sports Poll