Pakistan’s top cueman Imran Shahzad stormed into the final of the Jubilee Insurance National Ranking Snooker Championship in style when he overpowered Shah Aftab 6-3 with a brilliant century break on Thursday.
It was remarkable show by Lahore-based Imran, who is recovering from dengue smashed 109 break in the fourth frame at Karachi Gymkhana Billiards Hall here. Diminutive Imran will now meet his Punjab province-mate Muhammad Asif Toba in Saturday’s best of 15-frame final.
Reigning national champion Shahid Aftab got off a confident start when he won the opening frame 102-32 that was spiced with a smart break of 87.
However Shahid’s show was short-lived as Imran came back strongly captured the next four frames at trot to turn his initial arrear into 4-1 advantage.
With vast international experienced behind him, Asif at times showed class potting masterly dipping the multicolored ball to dream applause from a modest audience.
Imran was at his brilliant best when he chalked out the break of 109 in fourth frame. This was the fifth century break of the event.
Shahid, who had represented Pakistan in this year’s Asian Snooker Championship showed his intention of a fight-back by winning next two frame to make it 5-3.
Imran faced some tough time in the 9th frame but after missing a couple of opportunity he won the decider 72-54.
Earlier in the first semifinal, former Pakistan number one Khurram Agha was stem-rolled by Asif Toba 1-6.
Khurram started well by grabbing the first frame. But Asif Toba gave him no chance afterwards.
Potting tactically and with accuracy Asif Toba dominated the next six frames which included a break of 80 in fifth frame.
Khurram, however, had partially to blame himself as on number of occasions he was ahead but crucial missing cost him dearly.
Following are semifinal results: M. Asif Toba (Pb) bt Khurram Agha (Sindh) 6-1 (36-59, 68-38, 53-45, 62-58, 60-47, 80-0, 82-30), Imran Shahzad (Pb) bt Shahid Aftab (Pb) 6-3 (32-102, 71-32, 90-36, 109-6, 70-57, 58-72, 53-65, 65-20, 72-54).
