Organisers blame fans, lack of government support for chaotic start to Hong Kong Snooker All-Star Challenge
- Fans who paid HK$3,000 a ticket fume over seating arrangements that mean they can’t see the table
- But organisers Beyond Borders Sports Academy say ticket price doesn’t guarantee a good view
The organisers of the Hong Kong Snooker All-Star Challenge have blamed a few disgruntled fans, and a lack of support from the sport’s local governing body and the government for the chaos that marked the opening day of the event.
Fans who paid up to HK$3,380 a ticket were left with seats without a view of the table, and spectators were still waiting in long queues outside Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Monday, minutes before the pushed-back 1pm start time.
The first ball of the opening match between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams was not potted until 1.51pm
But Gentle Hui, the executive president of organisers Beyond Borders Sports Academy, said ticket price did not guarantee a good view and fans needed to balance seeing the action with the chance of getting closer to the players.
Officials at the city’s snooker association said they had decided not to help because of concerns over one of the co-hosts, while government funding was denied because organisers “lacked any experience” of hosting large events.
Originally scheduled to start at 12pm, fans complained their pricey seats were actually temporary chairs lined up on the same level as the table, leaving those in the back rows unable to see anything.
