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| September 27, 2003 | Saturday | Rajab 29, 1424 |
Khurram captures Masters crown
KARACHI, Sept 26: After struggling for nearly an year and half, top seed Khurram Agha won his second successive title with an impressive 7-4 victory over Amit Parwani in the final of 17th Red and White Latif Masters snooker championship on Friday.
Pakistan number-one Khurram, who won the Red and White Cup at Snooker Area Club two months ago, reasserted his status as country’s best cueist at Karachi Club Billiards Hall with a magnificent century break of 105 in the sixth frame.
Displaying attractive and attacking potting and tactical positional and safety play, Khurram won the final lasting four hours and ten minute 82-19, 98-01, 74-0, 55-62, 72-41, 105-0, 25-50, 69-44, 33-77, 43-57, 58-29.
Khurram had lost 7-6 to Naveen Perwani after taking 6-2 lead in last year’s championship.
“Now I am learning how to win,” a beaming Khurram said.
“I was dreaming to win my first event but Khurram proved too good for me,” said Amit.
Khurram was richer by Rs 100,000 and the winner’s trophy while Amit pocketed Rs 60,000 and runner-up trophy.
Two losing semifinalists Naveen Perwani and Farhan Mirza received Rs 25,000. Naveen also got Rs 6000 for making highest break of 128 in the championship.
Pakistan number 13 Amit though lost in the final, produced a sterling show in the event and set to jump among the top ten in coming national ranking.
Brilliant but at times casual, Khurram made a dream start by racing to 3-nil lead with the breaks of 42, 45 and 74 as Amit watched helplessly.
Playing his best snooker in the event, Amit opened his account by taking narrow fourth frame to make it 3-1. But Khurram came back with charging and took the next frame 72-41 with a smartly compiled break of 72.
Khurram was on course for a break of 137 but missed a blue with in pocket number four after a red an and all coloured balls on the table to contend with break of 105.
This was tournament’s second highest break after Naveen Perwani’s 128.
Amit played a steady game pocketed the 7th frame to make 5-2 but Khurram again increased his lead by snatching the 8th 69-44.
When Amit took frame number nine and ten, it looked more surprise was in store, but Khurram eventually settled the issue by grabbing the deciding frame 58-29.
The event turned out great for youngsters like Khurram and Amit but proved miserable for country’s stalwart cueists Muhammad Yousuf and Saleh.
Both Yousuf and Saleh failed to make the knock-out stage. While Saleh finished third in pool “”B” former world and Asian Champion Muhammad Yousuf finished as low as fifth spot in the eight-man.
It was great morale-booster for Khurram, who was due to leave for China next month for China with Pakistan number two Saleh will represent the country in the World Snooker Championship being held there from Oct 11 to 25.—APP
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