Hong Kong pool player Lo Ho-sum says funding cut may end his professional career – ‘I have to face reality’
- Wayne Griffiths, head snooker coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, says several senior players have already approached him about walking away from the sport
- Lo says his wild-card entry to next month’s World Pool Masters was a dream come true
Lo Ho-sum will be the first Hong Kong pool player awarded a wild-card entry to next month’s World Pool Masters, but says the threat of a funding cut may see him walk away from the sport for good.
Billiards and snooker are among the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s 20 designated Tier A sports, entitling them to world-class facilities at its Fo Tan campus, as well as reasonable financial support for elite athletes.
The sport, however, is facing demotion to Tier B status having been dropped by the Asian Games for three consecutive editions. Lo, along with several senior players, said a funding cut will mark the end of their professional careers.
“If billiard sports are truly devalued, I believe I will leave the squad,” Lo said. “It’s because there is no way to make a living, let alone training. I have to face reality, I can’t just chase my goal.”
Wayne Griffiths, head snooker coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, said Lo was not alone. He said several senior players have already approached him about walking away from the sport.