Myanmar’s surprise package surprises all

It’s been a creditable achievement, indeed, for a country, which has a good pool of players but lack in exposure and experience. ‘‘We don’t have anyone to impart coaching even though we have better following for the game,’’ says Dr Min Naing, a general physician, who is here as the team coach.

And he admits that his coaching is only by the letter. ‘‘I read as many books as I can and watch telecasts of various championships and then coach the wards.’’

The players from Myanmar have a supportive government with job security. But more importantly, the game of billiards does not face a threat from pool as in other nations. ‘‘The sports ministry is very supportive. We have already started preparations for the South East Asian Games to be held in November this year,’’ Naing adds. The SEA Games will help them establish their credentials further and justify the job security that the local state department— the Yangon City Development Committee— provides.

While billiards is hardly a spectator-friendly sport even in India, Naing claims there were atleast 500 spectators each day when they hosted the third Asian championship in 2003 where Kyaw Oo finished runner-up to Joshi. The 38-year-old Kyaw and 45-year-old Aung San Oo, who shocked Ashok Shandilya here, have made it already to the quarters and practise daily for six hours back home.

That there are no youngsters coming up is a reason that Naing attributes to lack of expertise. Even the limited good show in the last three years, he says, is mainly due to Michael Ferreira who had a four-day clinic before the start of the 2002 World championship that was held in Bangalore. ‘‘Our international exposure has been just three trips to India and once for the 2002 Busan Asian Games where Aung lost to Sethi in the bronze medal playoff,’’ says Naing.