KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s finest snooker players are set to showcase their skills at the 17th edition of The Kinabalu Club (TKC) Invitational Snooker Championship, scheduled to take place from Nov 20 to Dec 5.
Reigning champion Jamal Jailani will return to defend his title against a competitive field, including eight-time winner Sheldon Senagang, 2019 champion Nealson Low and Teo Kin Vui.
Tournament Director Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang highlighted the championship’s significance as a platform for both established snooker players and emerging talents.
“The TKC Invitational has become an important fixture for the Sabah snooker community and every year we see both established players and new challengers coming forward to compete.
“As the championship embarks on its 17th edition, we aim to inspire and encourage junior players to compete and develop their skills. Competing alongside experienced players gives juniors valuable match experience and a chance to practice the discipline and tactical skills the game demands. We hope this exposure will inspire more young players to take up snooker seriously and represent Sabah at higher levels in the future,” he stated.
He also invited spectators to attend and enjoy the matches throughout the event, promising thrilling snooker action for all.
The championship is sanctioned by the Malaysia Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF), with Brandon, who is Sabah’s only internationally certified snooker referee, serving as Chief Referee, bringing his extensive experience from officiating international tournaments under the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS).
More than RM12,000 prize money will be distributed. The champion will receive RM5,000, the runner-up RM2,500, and semi-finalists will each earn RM600. Additionally, players reaching the quarter-finals will gain RM300 each, while those advancing to the last 16 will also receive cash prizes of RM150.
A special incentive is also on offer for notable performances; the player achieving the highest break over 70 points will be awarded RM500, with an added RM1,000 if the highest break of the tournament exceeds a century.
Players wishing to enter must have resided in Sabah for a minimum of three years, with an entry fee set at RM80. For registration, interested parties can reach out to Brandon via WhatsApp at 016-6404514.
