Wednesday, May 07, 2008 10 cue artists face possible sanctions
TEN professional cue artists face the possibility of a sanction by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) after having been found to have joined a competition that does not have a permit from GAB.
GAB has a standing resolution that prevents professional players from taking part in tournaments that do not have a the permit from GAB.
Earlier this week, GAB said in a press statement that it received a report about a professional billiard tournament conducted last Saturday in Quezon City without the proper GAB permit.
“This is in direct violation of the GAB’s mandate over professional sports in the country, which is ironic since all professional players, managers, and promoters in all sports, including billiards were just recently reminded through a memorandum that conducting professional sports events without the GAB permit is in violation of the GAB mandate and will result in sanctions that range from suspension to cancellation of their licenses,” the statement said.
The players, who reportedly joined the said event are Marlon Manalo, Jeffrey de Luna, Antonio Gabi–ca, Leonardo Didal, Fidel Punzalan, Edgar Acaba, Leonardo An–dam, Jericho Bana–res and Elvis Calasang.
These players have been asked by the GAB to explain in writing within 72 hours their reasons for participating in the said event.
The statement also said that in the event they could not give their explanations in time, they will then be meted with corresponding penalties by the Board of Directors.
If this happens, they will be stripped off the chance to join in any local billiard competitions and they can no longer avail of GAB’s travel authority, which is a requirement in visa applications for competing in international competitions.
The GAB also issued a stern warning to all professional players and managers to respect the GAB and to ask first if the tournament they plan to participate in has the proper permits from them.
It also reminded all promoters to apply for proper permits because GAB will be able to assist them in the applications.
“This is being done to properly maintain the highest standards both in the performance of players and conduct of tournaments since we all know that billiards is a rich source of honor and pride for our country,” the statement added. (NSM from PR)
