Masters competitors play it smart

NICE FORM: Rotorua's Jock Wylie competes at the New Zealand Community Trust 2015 Rotorua Masters at the weekend. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

You'd do well to find a sport with more class than snooker.

There were certainly no jandals and shorts in sight when the New Zealand Community Trust 2015 Rotorua Masters was staged at the weekend.

Joint organiser Tony Horton said among the various rules for the tournament, it was compulsory for every player to wear a long-sleeved shirt and bow-tie, plus dress pants and dress shoes.

It made for a great sight walking into the venue at the Arawa Park Racecourse, seeing 64 players all dressed immaculately and showing plenty of respect for their sport.

The Rotorua Masters is an annual tournament reserved for men over 40 and women over 35, and attracts players from all over the North Island.

It is one of many events governed by the New Zealand Masters Billiards and Snooker Association but is the only event of its kind held in Rotorua.

Horton said there was some great snooker on display over the weekend and everyone seemed to really enjoy the occasion.

"A frame can go from anything from 15min to an hour and 15min," he explained.

"It is a very challenging game. I've been playing since 1973 and there are some great friendships you gain [through the sport]."

The three-day tournament started with pool play and went into a round of knockout competitions, which finished yesterday.

Horton said he would like to see more people get into the sport.

The New Zealand Community Trust came on board to help fund the event at the weekend, which was hosted by the Rotorua Club.