Improvement steps, compensation welcomed by snooker fans

Ayra Wang

Improvement measures have already been put in place after spectators were forced to leave the Kai Tak Arena before the conclusion of a match at the World Grand Prix snooker tournament on Tuesday night, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said yesterday.

Law called the incident "highly unsatisfactory" attributed it to communication and coordination failure between the tournament organizer and venue operator.

"Both parties were aware beforehand that matches could extend into late hours - potentially run overtime," Law said. "There were concerns that spectators would be stranded, with fewer transportation options, due to the late-night schedule."

The government has instructed organizers to ensure spectators can watch entire matches and provide transport if needed.

"This is a learning experience," Law added, noting that adapting to the new Kai Tak Sports Park and the unpredictable nature of snooker matches requires time.

The organizing committee apologized and offered compensation as ticket holders for the March 4 evening session at Table 1 can exchange stubs for equal-value tickets on March 5 or 6.

The incident occurred during a late-night match between Kyren Wilson and Matthew Selt on Table 1, which began after 9pm.

As the game extended near midnight, a message appeared on the venue's screens instructing fans to leave due to venue restrictions.

Staff then urged spectators to exit, pausing the match and escorting players to a break room. Fans argued with staff for about 20 minutes before being removed by security.

In response, the committee said it has worked with the venue to ensure spectators attending evening sessions from March 5 to 9 can stay until matches conclude.

Feng Huanhuan, chief executive of F-Sports Promotions, the event organizer, said the company was unaware of the incident.

"Having organized large snooker events in the mainland, where there are no such restrictions, we didn't anticipate this issue," Feng said.

Kai Tak Sports Park said it will ensure all ticket holders can watch matches until their conclusion, adding that it has coordinated with the organizer to arrange late-night transport to Mong Kok transit hubs and overnight buses.

Consumer Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han said the watch dog has received at least 10 complaints and urged the organizer to be more flexible in compensating attendees, noting that the March 5 and 6 dates may not be suitable for them.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com