A NEW premium destination for snooker enthusiasts has officially opened its doors at All Seasons Place shopping mall in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, offering players a quality venue to hone their skills, enjoy friendly competition and potentially develop into future sporting talents.
Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the establishment of a new sporting venue was always an encouraging development, as it created more opportunities for people to participate in sports, develop their abilities and connect with others who shared the same passion.
“Every new sporting venue creates opportunities for people to get involved in sports, improve their abilities and build connections through a shared passion,” he said in his speech before officiating the grand opening ceremony of Crystal Palace Snooker Club this evening.
Also present were Belleview Group managing director Datuk Seri Sonny Ho, Xingpai Billiards general manager Jason Gan, Malaysian Snooker and Billiards Federation president Melvin Chia See Oon, Penang Snooker and Billiards Association chairman Datuk Michael Tan Cheong Heng, and Crystal Palace Snooker Club managing director Yeoh Chong Aik.
According to Gooi, snooker was much more than a game of precision, as it demanded concentration, strategic thinking, patience and discipline.
“Every shot requires careful judgment, while every match challenges players to remain composed under pressure and respect their opponents.
“These qualities make snooker a valuable sport, not only for developing competitive skills but also for building character, particularly among the younger generation,” he said.
Gooi emphasised that sporting talent development in Penang must begin at the grassroots level, with aspiring athletes given adequate opportunities to learn, train and improve before progressing to national and international competitions.
“Quality facilities, dedicated coaches and regular competitions all play important roles in this journey,” he said.
He also welcomed the club’s investment in quality facilities, noting that it was equipped with tables from a recognised brand that supplies equipment for the professional snooker tour.
“This investment reflects a commitment to providing a quality playing environment for recreational players, aspiring talents and those who wish to pursue the sport more seriously.
“I hope this club will become more than just a place to play snooker. It could also serve as a platform for developing local talent, bringing sporting communities together and inspiring more young people to take an interest in the sport,” he said.
The club’s opening also comes at an opportune time as Malaysia prepares to host the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from Sept 18 to 29, with Penang set to play an important role in the regional sporting extravaganza.
Gooi noted that snooker and billiards were among the sports scheduled to be contested in Penang, presenting an opportunity for the state to strengthen its sporting ecosystem, showcase its facilities and welcome athletes from across Southeast Asia.
“This presents an exciting opportunity for our state to strengthen its sporting ecosystem, showcase our facilities and welcome athletes from across Southeast Asia,” he said.
He added that greater awareness, accessible facilities and sustained support could encourage more Penangites to explore different sports and realise their potential.
“Who knows? The players practising and competing here at Crystal Palace Snooker Club might one day represent Penang and Malaysia at the SEA Games, or even compete at a higher international level,” he said.
Gooi stressed that achieving such ambitions would require close collaboration among sports associations, private-sector partners, facility operators, the wider community and, importantly, the Penang government.
“When we work together, we can create more pathways for participation, talent development and sporting excellence,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal