RORY Thor is set to make his debut in next year’s United Kingdom Snooker Tour following the National Sports Council’s (NSC) assurance to fund the Sea Games champion.
The 25-year-old earned a tour wild card after he won the Asian Championships in Al Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May by overcoming Taiwan's Hung Chung Ming 7-3 in the final to emulate the achievements of Sam Chong (1990) and Ooi Chin Kay (1994).
For the record, the last Malaysian to play on the tour was Moh Keen Hoo in 2004.
Rory’s participation in the 12-leg tour will cost the NSC RM200,000 (including accommodation and travelling expenses).
Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF) president Melvin Chia said the NSC’s financial support for Rory is a big step in turning him into a world class player.
“Rory is not only the national champion but also a gold medallist in the Sea Games. Furthermore, he is the undisputed champion on the local tour,” said Melvin yesterday.
“He needs a bigger challenge and I believe the exposure on the UK tour will make him a better player.
“We had a fruitful unofficial meeting with NSC recently. They have agreed to assist Rory. We will meet again in two weeks’ time.”
Rory created a stir in last year’s Sea Games in Myanmar by winning the six-red ball gold medal before notching bronze medals in singles and doubles.
“If everything goes to plan, he will leave for England in November or December. He also needs someone to guide him when he is there,” said Melvin.
The Penang-born’s achievement in UAE came as a surprise as the cue artist hardly played in overseas tournaments, except for multi-sports games, following the suspension of MSBF two years ago before it was lifted late last year.
“It was a bad episode for cue sports. We had several outstanding players but they quit.
“I have huge plans for the sport but of course, we need funding to progress to the next level,” Melvin added.
Meanwhile, the Asian Confederation of Snooker and Billiards announced on May 1 in UAE that Malaysia has won the bid to host next year’s Asian Championships. By Ajitpal Singh