Anuja gets lesson in billiards from Nalin

MUMBAI, APRIL 10: Precision play by veteran Nalin Patel's saw him clinch the ATM-Shipping AR Dias Break Billiards Handicap Championship. ...

MUMBAI, APRIL 10: Precision play by veteran Nalin Patel’s saw him clinch the ATM-Shipping AR Dias Break Billiards Handicap Championship. At the Catholic Gymkhana today, Patel, playing with 90 handicap, sailed past Anuja Thakur 65-43 in the final.

“Anuja was putting pressure as she had a great run in the tournament. She is not a type of player whom you could neglect. She played some really good shots,” said Patel about his opponent. “She certainly has a bright future.” Patel is only the second Indian to be in the world’s top eight professional besides World Champion Geet Sethi.

On the other hand, Anuja, a FYJC student of H R Commerce, failed to sustain the pressure of playing against a big name. Playing with a high handicap, Patel took almost 45 minutes to score his first point. Infact, his first two points came as a gift from his opponent when she committed a foul.

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Thereafter, Patel scored a break of 47 and was ahead 51-12. The international had another small break of 14 which saw the score ticking65-12 in favour of Patel.

It was not easy for Patel too, who was trying to concentrate hard and could be seen sitting with his eyes closed in a corner.

Towards the end Anuja found her touch and had breaks of 16 and 11. But just as she was looking good she potted the yellow. The penalty probably upset her and the flash of brilliance subsided as quickly as it rose.