Asian Games: Indians turn the table on Hong Kong

India finally began their medal hunt when Yasin Merchant and Rafat Habib won the gold in the doubles event of snooker in the Asian Games tod...

India finally began their medal hunt when Yasin Merchant and Rafat Habib won the gold in the doubles event of snooker in the Asian Games today. ‘‘I was expecting a bronze but my boys have given the gold,’’ yelled team coach and former billiards world champion Michael Ferreira as the Merchant-Rafat duo finished the final frame. ‘‘It was my birthday today and what can be a better gift than the gold even though I haven’t given the cake to the boys,’’ said a jubilant Ferreira.

India’s entry to the final was quite dramatic. After an easy 3-1 win over Qatar in the pre-quarter finals, Indians caused a sensation by upsetting defending champions Malaysia 3-1 in the quarters. It was then that the Indian camp pinned their hopes on a medal. But after beating Chinese Taipei in the semifinals, India took on take Hong Kong with a silver safe in their pockets. But what Merchant and Rafat did in the final was simply amazing.

The two played according to game plan and upset Hong Kong who had a top pro, Fu Marco Ka Chin, in their ranks. India had lost the first frame but they returned in style to register a gallant victory. ‘‘It is dream start for cue sport and something great for future,’’ said world billiards champion Geet Sethi on India’s golden deed.

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‘‘I would give credit for this victory to my mother who was a great inspiration to me,’’ said Rafat in a choked voice. Tears rolled down his cheeks as the Southern Railway employee recalled the contribution of his late mother Syeda. ‘‘My father Syed was a player himself but actually it was my mother who supported me all along,’’ said an emotional Rafat.

It was 31-year-old Rafat’s first major international victory for which his senior partner Yasin Merchant gave all the credit. ‘‘He played brilliantly paving the way for the gold,’’ said Merchant. ‘‘After we lost the frame I told Rafat to take the game frame-by-frame and our strategy clicked. He played with superb understanding,’’ Merchant said.

The victory has boosted the confidence of the Indian players who are now eyeing more medals in pool and carrom. And, of course, a gold in billiards by Geet Sethi. Unfortunately, there were not many people to watch India’s golden act. However, besides a few fellow players and some members of the Indian media, there were president and secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association. IOA president Suresh Kalmadi was naturally happy as the gold came after a disastrous show in women’s weightlifting yesterday. Others members of Indian officialdom did not show up for the event.