Kumar clinches billiards title

Rishabh Kumar of Bombay Gymkhana overcame young Jaiveer Dhingra of Cricket Club India to clinch the title in the SPG-Park Club Billiards Tournament,jointly organized and hosted by Shivaji Park Gymkhana and The Park Club.

Rishabh Kumar of Bombay Gymkhana overcame young Jaiveer Dhingra of Cricket Club India (CCI) to clinch the title in the SPG-Park Club Billiards Tournament,jointly organized and hosted by Shivaji Park Gymkhana and The Park Club.

Rewarded for his consistency,seasoned Kumar cruised to an impressive 633-512 triumph over one of the states top juniors,as he thrived on small but significant breaks.

With both cueists playing with a similar handicap of +110,the final had its moments of excitement with Dhingra surging to a marginal lead of 30 points by the end of the first half hour of the two-hour championship round.

But Kumar relied on experience and a dozen consistent breaks of 30 to move ahead by 150 points with 45 minutes remaining. Dhingra fought back to narrow the margin to 540-480 with half an hour to go,to set the stage for a thrilling finish.

Sensing a late challenge,Kumar chose to play safe with time on his side and held on to complete a rewarding day.

I came into this tournament without practice, revealed Kumar. But towards the end,I had to play safe because I wasnt getting a big opening. The table too was good and I am delighted with the victory.

I was struggling from the beginning, explained Dhingra. Though I picked up at the end,it was too late. I tried different strategies but it didnt work out. I played well throughout the tournament but I guess it was not my day in the final.

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Result (Final): Rishabh Kumar (+110,Bombay Gym) bt Jaiveer Dhingra (+110,CCI) 633-512.

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