From October 3 to 10, the first World Championship for juniors under 18 will take place in St. Petersburg. Kyrgyzstan will be represented by the only snooker player, Karimberdi uulu Mukhammed. This is the first time our country is represented at such major competitions! We decided to find out why this sport has become so popular in our republic and the world from the president of the snooker federation, chairman of the billiards coaching council, and honored coach of the KR, Konstantin Korobov.
- This game originated in India. Snooker has been one of the most popular games in the world for many years, but our republic was not involved until recently. Here, "Russian billiards" developed. The "Pyramid" is played in the CIS countries, and foreign states are not strong in this type, just as we are not in snooker. We are just starting to master it. Currently, the focus is on snooker, and world-class competitions are even held among youth. It is popular in India, Europe, and Brazil, but the "TOP 100" is led by professional athletes from England and China.
- When did Kyrgyzstan start paying attention specifically to snooker?
- We acquired the first specialized table six years ago to gradually attract youth. This new type sparked interest even among our renowned athletes, who decided to try themselves in snooker. However, to achieve certain results, a more specialized focus is necessary. Today, we already have billiard players who have been playing snooker for three years. Transitioning from one type to another is quite challenging. After all, these are two different types. Firstly, the size of the balls differs; the tables are almost the same - 12 feet, but the cushions are higher, there is a different covering material, and completely different pockets. The rules in snooker are much more complex, so it is not so easy for us to implement it in practice. Currently, "Russian billiards" is very popular; the whole country plays it. In principle, if it comes to playing, many can learn it, but when the focus is on results – that's a completely different matter.
- How many professional athletes specializing in snooker are there in the capital today?
- The day before yesterday, we held the capital championship, which had 24 participants, and more than 30 players in the city have mastered this sport. These are the strongest athletes, and it is encouraging that young guys are getting involved. In this championship, 17-year-old Kalys Sagynaliev (Candidate for Master of Sports) took first place, and Yzabtkbek Ratbekov came in second. Sixteen-year-old Karimberdi uulu Mukhammed, although he won a bronze medal, was selected to participate in the World Championship, as he is also the winner of the republican competitions and has very high scores. I would also like to highlight a very talented player, Dastan Lepshakov. There are already two boys who are Candidates for Master of Sports in snooker; they have already participated in international competitions held in Russia and competed on equal terms with Russian snooker players.
Of course, it will be difficult to show results at the World Championship, as Chinese and English athletes will be competing there. We are participating in such a tournament for the first time, and our main goal is to present ourselves as a new member of the international federation. In the near future, the national federation will join the ranks of countries officially in the confederation. Currently, negotiations are underway. It is also encouraging that the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports and the City Sports Committee are helping us develop snooker in Kyrgyzstan.
- But there is also pool in our republic; maybe it’s time to elevate it to the proper level as well?
- It is impossible to cover everything; the sports school develops two types simultaneously, but we still focus more on one. Of course, pool is also popular, but there is no movement like in snooker. Billiards is incredibly popular in our country, as there are significant achievements, such as those made by three-time world champion Kanybek Sagynbaev. Now our task is to get into the "100 strongest players" in snooker. Pool is mainly played in Malaysia and Thailand, where there are also world champions.
- What goals do you set for Kyrgyz athletes and the snooker federation?
- First and foremost, the development of this sport and achieving results. Although there are not many athletes yet, there are excellent guys with good potential. We really hope that our guys will grow and take worthy places in the world.
- It is said that snooker appeared in our country thanks to foreigners who loved to play it?
- They helped us a lot in terms of development. They taught us how to play snooker, and now we can easily beat them. Many foreigners who come to us from far abroad play snooker. We gathered in one of the clubs in "Vostok-5," watched them, and then searched for lessons online. We really liked this sport. At first glance, it seems that the game is easy: the pockets are large, and the balls are small, but it is not that simple. Moreover, everything new always takes time to settle in. Now our guys are just crazy about snooker, and we constantly hold competitions, follow international tournaments, and know all the champions.
- We heard you have problems with the building for the school?
- Currently, we have moved to the Sports Palace and are renting a space here, as the former school building is under renovation and will then be handed over to others. We have set up tables in various clubs, where we prepare, train, and hold competitions. The rent is very expensive, and our school is budgetary. But we are managing, as we have people to work for. It is very encouraging that the guys have such an interest in billiards. On the open day, a large number of newcomers came to us; we will try to accept everyone, although we do not have many opportunities.
- Why do you think billiards is so popular in our country?
- Everyone loves to play billiards. It is a tabletop game where time passes unnoticed. Around the table, a person walks 1.5 km per game; if playing for three hours, that's five km. There is a prevailing sports excitement here, as every player wants to be a winner. It is popular among both men and women, and everyone enjoys training. We even have a student who is 63 years old.
- Is there any other type of billiards that you could develop in our country?
- There is a game called "Carolina," which is developed in Finland. It resembles the game "Collective Farm," which is loved in our country. But still, the most popular game is "Pyramid," and there are many competitions and a busy schedule ahead until December. There are many enthusiasts, but only a few will become professionals. A world championship in Russian billiards has already been held in Kyrgyzstan, and possibly in a few years, it will also be held in snooker; we will definitely earn that right.
Reference:
It is believed that snooker was invented by Colonel Neville Chamberlain of the British colonial forces in Jabalpur (India) in 1875. Initially, there were only four colored balls, but by 1890, there were eight. In 1919, the rules of snooker were officially established by the BA & CC, and the first world championship took place in Birmingham at the end of 1926 - beginning of 1927. Before the war, the game was dominated by the British and Australians. As for the rules of the game, at the beginning of the game, there are 15 red balls arranged in a pyramid and 6 colored balls, each placed at a specific mark on the table. The white ball, the cue ball, is used to strike the balls. Players must alternately pot red and colored balls into the pockets. As long as red balls remain on the table, potted colored balls are returned to their positions. The player who scores the most points wins.
