PHNOM PENH: National cueist Moh Keen Hoo fought back from being 3-0 down to clinch the gold medal in the men’s individual snooker 6-Red event at the 2023 SEA Games, here, yesterday.
In a thrilling clash at the Aeon Sen Sok Mall, Keen Hoo was out of sorts initially to find himself 0-3 down to Sitthideth Sabieng of Laos before regaining his composure to draw level at 3-3.
With his confidence boosted, the 36-year-old Keen Hoo then went on to seal a 5-3 win.
The win allowed Keen Hoo to make amends for winning just the bronze medal in the same event at the previous edition in Hanoi, Vietnam, where compatriot Lim Kok Leong shone by taking the gold medal.
Kok Leong failed to defend his title when he lost 5-2 to Siththideth in the quarter-finals yesterday.
Meanwhile, Keen Hoo admitted that he failed to raise his game in the early stages of the game due to pressure.
“Initially, there was pressure on me because after Kok Leong lost (in the last eight), all eyes were on me to get the gold medal. But, after finding myself trailing 3-0, I managed to regain my composure and, thankfully, level the score.
“After that, he (Sitthideth Sabieng) started missing his shots and that was when I regained my confidence to romp home,” said Keen Hoo, who is making his ninth appearance in the biennial Games.
Keen Hoo’s gold medal is the country’s 15th, so far. – BERNAMA
