Yeo lifts NT Invitational Snooker Championship in renewed battle with Ng

SIBU (April 1): Seasoned campaigner Mark Yeo edged favourite Ng Hong Man 4-2 (25-58, 43-29, 62-55, 15-64, 50-30, 75-42) to win the NT Invitational Snooker Championship at NT Snooker Centre here last weekend.

Yeo bagged the cash prize of RM2,800 while Ng pocketed RM800.

The title was also a fitting birthday gift for Yeo who celebrated his 53rd birthday on the same day.

“Though I forgo celebrating my birthday, it’s sort of worth it as the title is definitely a bigger present for me to cherish and treasure,” he said.

There was little to separate the duo who had crossed cues countless times over the years.

Last weekend, Ng again fired the first salvo when he nailed the first frame at ease. Yeo, however, played with his normal composure to nail the next two frames for the lead.

After Ng took the fourth frame to level, Yeo upped the tempo again with his trademark accurate long distance potting to snatche the fifth.

In the sixth frame Yeo, who was already leading at 48-39, saw a clear-cut opportunity to widen the lead.

He pushed the final red ball behind a coloured ball, hence setting up a difficult angle for Ng to go for the kill.

And in his bid to break the snoke, Ng lost 18 precious points to Yeo before he finally rescued the game.

But it was all too late as Yeo easily controlled the frame and took the game.

Losing semi-finalists Sie Leong Ung and Lau Yong Wei took home RM500 each while losing quarter-finalists Amlan Saris, Lee Sing Sun, Ting Siew Chon and Jee Chau Hui bagged RM200 each.