Pakistan’s top cueist Imran Shahzad lived up to his billing when he came from behind to clinch the third Jubilee Insurance National Ranking Snooker Championship. He beat Muhammad Asif Toba 8-7 at Karachi Gymkhana Billiards Hall here on Saturday.
The 35-year-old Imran from Lahore, who is recovering from Dengue fever, displayed great fighting qualities and smart and tactical snooker when made 2-6 down to overcome Asif Toba who at one time was looking headed towards as an easy victory. Seasoned international Imran who remained under pressure in the initial part of the final and was tied 7-all, made two breaks of 60 and 38 in the decider to seal the fate of the final.
The highlight of Imran’s show was a break of 119 in the third frame. After sharing the opening four frames, Asif Toba took control of the match by grabbing the next four frames to secure a solid 6-2 lead. Asif Toba dominated the match till the eighth frame but a brilliant display by Imran and lapse in concentration tilted the match in Imran Shahzad’s favour.
At the presentation ceremony, Managing Director Jubilee General Insurance Company, Tahir Ahmed, who was chief guest, presented the glittering trophy and cash purse of Rs 60,000 to Imran and runner-up trophy and Rs 30, 000 to Asif Toba. President Karachi Gymkhana Ali Raheem announced Rs 15,000 for the highest break of 138 made by Muhammad Asif.
President Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), Alamgir Shaikh, KG Sports Convener Amin Noor, Billards Secretary Fawad Ahmed and member KG Governing Body Jahangir Moghal and other officials were also present on the occasion. By winning the title Imran Shahzad not only retained the national number one ranking but also confirmed his inclusion in squad for the IBSF World Snooker Championship in Bangalore.
Results
Imran Shahzad (Pb) bt M.Asif Toba (Pb) 8-7 ( 01-70, 78-21, 119-0, 47-60, 40-88, 13-85, 25-58, 68-14, 25-96, 89-19, 87-18, 29-72, 92-0, 65-13, 115-2).