KARACHI, Aug 31: Saleh Muhammad continued his recent domination and status as country’s ace cueman when he defeated Khurram Hussain Agha 6-4 to annex the 7th Karachi Club Open snooker trophy which concluded at KC Billiards Hall Saturday.

Ranked number two in Pakistan, Saleh came from 1-2 down to overpower country’s top ranked player Khurram Agha 88-09, 11-86, 17-88, 65-34, 85-09, 72-05, 16-91, 37-76, 74-43, 75-51 after over three hour see-saw contest.

Peshawar-based Saleh made a whirlwind start by taking the opening frame 85-09 aided with a break of 42. But Khurram took the upper hand by snatching the next two frames as Saleh missed a couple of sitters. Khurram chalked out the break of 46 in the third frame.

But Saleh regained his composure, and potting masterly, he turned his 1-2 deficit into 4-2 lead by grabbing the next three frames at trot, cracking a break of 57 in the fourth frame.

Although at times both Saleh and Khurram dipped the balls from acute angles but on the other hand they missed easy shots.

With Saleh enjoying commanding 4-2 lead it looked that Khurram was almost out of the race. But talented Khurram using all his resources made it 3-4 thanks to two brilliant breaks of 40 and 45 in 7th frame.

Before Saleh could settled down, Khurram picked the next frame to draw at par four-frame-all to create excitement and drama.

But unruffled Saleh showed his class under pressure, by wrapping up the next two frames to snatch the title. He ended the final in style when he cleared the table with a handsome break of 34.

This was Saleh third major success after having won the Style Ranking and Red and White Cup in the last five months. This could prove a good built-up for him and Pakistan for the forthcoming eight-nation Emirates International Snooker Championship in Dubai next week.

After the final Sports Convener KC Abdul Wahid Qadir presented the winner trophy and cash prize of rs 25,000 to Saleh Muhammad while Khurram Agha collected runner-up trophy and cash prize of Rs. 12,500.

Losing semi finalist Muhammad Yousuf and Naveen Perwani received Rs 5000.

Muhammad Yousuf also received an additional Rs. 5000 for making highest break of 117 in the championship.—APP