KARACHI, Dec 4: Highly talented Atiq Latif Bux pulled off a major upset when he outclassed seasoned Muhammad Yousuf 6-1 in the final of the 9th KC Open snooker challenge to capture the first title of his career at the Amir Bux billiards hall, Karachi Club, on Sunday.

After dropping the opener, he fought back magnificently to clinch the next six frames amidst thunderous applause from the packed to capacity crowd.

Final scores were: 55-66, 82-1, 74-14, 100-1, 72-30, 59-20, 65-64.

By virtue of the win, Atiq also avenged his recent 4-6 defeat which he had tasted at the hands of Yousuf in the semifinals of the 19th Latif Master’s.

Though Atiq had beaten almost all the cueists time and again, he failed to win a title so far.

Title has eluded Yousuf throughout the year. He made unceremonious exit from the 30th National losing 1-6 to eventual champion, Saleh Muhammad in pre-final.

This was followed by his 2-6 defeat again at the hands of Saleh in Style snooker. His third defeat came about when Abu Saim beat him 6-4 in the final of the 14th Snooker Cup before going down to Naveen Perwani 3-7 in the Latif Master’s.

Yousuf started off well taking the opener 55-66 conjuring up a break of 54. But Atiq showed great fighting abilities taking one frame after the other chalking up three half century breaks in second, fourth and fifth frames.

Sixth ranked Atiq kept his cue control and allowed no room to his opponent to penetrate.

Atiq was awarded a winner’s purse of Rs20,000. Yousuf got the runner-up’s prize of Rs12,000. Khurram Agha received Rs2,000 for the highest break of 110.

Results:

Atiq Latif Bux bt Muhammad Yousuf 6-1 (55-66, 82-1, 74-14, 100-1, 72-30, 59-20, 65-64).