Thailand and Singapore Join World Snooker Federation
The World Snooker Federation (WSF) has today announced that the National Federations of both Thailand and Singapore have become the latest bodies to become full members of the WSF.
Following last week’s news that the UAEBSA has aligned with the WSF, the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand (BSAT) and Cuesports Singapore (CS) have confirmed their membership alongside the growing number of National Federations to become part of the WSF.
Sindhu Pulsirivong at the SangSom Six Red World Championship
Under the leadership of its President Sindhu Pulsirivong, the BSAT has played a key role in the development of snooker at all levels in Asia during the past 30 years. In 1998 Sindhu was instrumental in securing the inclusion of billiard sports at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, a significant milestone in the growth of the sport in Asia. In May 2016 Sindhu became the first non-player to be inducted into the World Snooker Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to snooker in Asia and in particular Thailand.
Working under the guidance of Sindhu and the BSAT, the WPBSA opened its first Asian Snooker Academy in Bangkok which over a number of years has aided the development of many players, referees and officials. Thailand continues to produce incredible snooker talent and remains the home of the Sangsom Six Red World Championship, won this year by Mark Williams.
Jason Ferguson and Christopher Chuah
Singapore has also played a major role in the development of billiards sports in Asia and earlier this year under the guidance of President Christopher Chuah, Cuesports Singapore hosted the biggest ever World Women’s Snooker Championship, won by Hong Kong’s Ng On Yee for a second time. Singapore continues to gain momentum and is home to the World Billiards legend Peter Gilchrist. Peter is a multiple title and medal winner and has represented the country at international level since becoming a Singapore citizen in 2006.
WSF President Jason Ferguson said: “Since the launch of the WSF last month we have been greatly encouraged by the huge support that we have received. We are pleased to welcome both the Thai and Singaporean Federations as we build a brighter future. The experience and commitment of Sindhu, Christopher and their capable teams in billiards sports is unquestioned, both these federations continue to be very active in ensuring our sports growth and status in Asia. The WSF board are excited about the future and we look forward to our continued cooperation.”
BSAT President Sindhu Pulsirivong said: “I have always advocated the need for an effective cooperation between the amateur and professional worlds to carry our sport forward and I hope that the WSF, under the leadership of Jason Ferguson, will one day succeed in helping us realise our Olympic dream.”
Learn more about the World Snooker Federation which launched in October 2017.
