The first snooker championship in the North gets underway at the Labasa Club this week.

This was after club officials were able to secure a sponsorship deal with Carpenters Motors.

Labasa Club president Dewan Chand said yesterday that they are thankful for the sponsorship from Carpenters Motors (Labasa branch), which enabled them to kick-off the snooker competition.

“The two-day competition will be held at Labasa Club from April 2-3,” Chand said.

“The winner and runner-up will walk away with a trophy and cash prizes while the semi-finalists will only receive cash prizes.”

Chand said 30 players have confirmed their participation.

Carpenters Motors area manager north Ashok Maharaj said the company was eager to support and develop snooker competition in the North.

“I’m aware that snooker is not seen or considered as a major sporting event in the North but we want to change all that,” Maharaj said.

“The club has been holding snooker competition but they need more support to move it to another level. I have learnt that many members of the club are our customers and we want to give something back to them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chand confirmed that they are planning to organise a single and double snooker competition  later in the year.