June 23, 2002	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 11, 1423

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KARACHI, June 22: Saleh Mohammad, was crowned the new billiards champion, when he upset seasoned campaigner Yousuf Haroon 6-3, in the Third Red & White Billiard and Pool Championship played Saturday.

A former Pakistan champion and world No.3 in snooker, Saleh after a close tussle till 3-3, swept through the next three rounds to emerge a popular winner.

In the quarterfinals, Saleh beat the former world champion Mohammad Yousuf 4-2, then blasted Naveen Perwani (PIA) in the semifinals 5-1.

On the other hand Haroon beat the reigning champion Mohammad Hussain (NWFP) 4-2 in the quarterfinals, then upset Punjab’s Imran Shehzad 5-2 in the semis. However, Haroon failed to clear the last hurdle going down 3-6 to Saleh.

In the Nine Ball Pool final, Shakeel Bhatti sent the defending champion Khurram Hussain Agha crashing to a 13-8 defeat, after both cueists ran neck and neck till 3-3. Shakeel potting everything in sight drew away 6-3, winning the next three racks before Khurram won the 10th to cut down the deficit 4-6. Shakeel once again on the rampage took the next three racks to run up an unbeatable 9-4 lead, before Khurram managed to take the 14th rack to claw his way closer 5-9.

However another three rack burst by Shakeel spelt Khurram’s doom sliding closer to defeat 12-5. However, in a last do or die attempt, Khurram won the next three racks closing the gap 12-8, but alas, his desperate bid came a bit to late. Shakeel coolly and calmly pocketed the 21st rack to come through a 13-8 winner.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, Shakeel beat Mohammad Yousaf 9-6 and then disposed off Imran Shehzad 11-8. Khurram Hussain Agha made his entry into the final by beating Asif Moti 9-4 and then disposing off PIA’s Naveen Perwani in the semifinals.

Saleh the winner of the billiard event received Rs30,000, while Yousuf Haroon had to be content with the runners-up purse of Rs.15,000.

The two semifinalists Naveen Perwani and Imran Shehzad each received Rs.5000.

In the Pool event, the winner Shakeel Bhatti received Rs30,000, while Khurram Agha had to be satisfied with Rs15,000.

Naveen Perwani and Imran Shehzad losing semifinalist received Rs.5000 each.

Following was the results:

BILLIARD: Saleh Mohammad (NWFP) beat Yousuf Haroon (Sindh) 6-3.

NINE BALL POOL: Shakeel Bhatti (Sindh) beat Khurram Hussain Agha (Sindh) 13-8.