Saif,Asif claim titles

Even as the Tenth Pool Palace challenge billiards and snooker concluded here on Wednesday evening at the Pool Palace Snooker Parlour,it was the visiting cueist who cornered the spotlight. Saif of the Cue Zone snooker parlour snatched victory from host player Surya Dev Singh in three fully extended frames to take the snooker singles title while Sacivalaya Sports Club cueist Asif Khan wrested the billiards title beating the host player Gaurav Nathani. It was left to the combination of Tayyab and Urfi to win the snooker doubles crown when they beat their parlour mates Sameer and Taran in straight frames to give the hosts something to shout about.

The snooker singles final was a match to remember. Surya Dev Singh potting with aplomb took the first frame easily to lead 1-0,but Saif coming into his own,rallied well to restore parity at 1-1 taking the second frame. The deciding frame was a real cracker as both Saif and Surya pulled out some good pots but also made equal number of errors due to intense pressure. Finally Saif pocketed the decisive black to emerge victorious by 43-71,60-48 and 67-63 points.

In the billiards final,Asif enjoying an advantage of 20 points was set to score 180 against Gaurav’s 200 points. The game was a real ding dong affair right from the start as both the players displayed some very good in-offs and a good control while scoring off the red.

If Asif got breaks of 23 and 27 Gaurav countered with breaks of 15,18 and 14. Nevertheless,exhibiting a good temperament and methodical approach,Asif eventually countered each good effort of Gaurav to round off the tie with a degree of confidence and comfort by 200-181 points.