March 15, 2007	Thursday	Safar 25, 1428

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KARACHI, March 14: The 32nd National Snooker Championship ended in a blaze of glory for seasoned Naveen Perwani who whipped Vishan Gir 6-3 in the final at Karachi Gymkhana on Wednesday.

Naveen, 35, beat his opponent 87-45, 87-21, 10-71, 8-75, 79-24, 24-80, 79-16, 66-37 and 68-33 to capture the title which has eluded him on the past three occasions.

“It’s like a dream coming true,” said a jubilant cueist who has been playing in the circuit for about two decades but never won the nationals.

Naveen, the four-time winner of Latif Masters crown, said he was in good form and prior to entering the event confident of attaining top honours.

Third seed Naveen topped group ‘C’ winning all his six league matches cracking first century break of 115 on the second day against Abdul Razzak Kakar, a Balochistan qualifier. He humbled Mohammad Nazeer 4-0 in pre quarter-final, got past Atif Mughal 5-3 in quarter-final and blanked Abu Saim 5-0 in pre-final.

Naveen, a member of Pakistan team at Doha Asian Games, opened the best of 11 frames final on winning note taking 2-0 lead. He won the first two frames 87-45 and 87-21.

Playing first final of a ranking tournament, the 10th seed Vishan who edged past Mohammad Shahid 5-2 in pre-final on Tuesday, bounced back to level 2-2all taking the third frame 71-10 and fourth 75-8. Naveen again surged 3-2 picking up the fifth 79-24 only to be tied again 3-3all. Vishan won the sixth 80-24. Naveen then put his act together pocketing the next three frames 79-16, 66-37 and 68-33.

Naveen earned a winning purse of Rs70,000 while Vishan got richer by Rs40,000 out of total prize money of Rs204,000.

Veteran Mohammad Yousuf who made unceremonious exit in pre quarter-finals received Rs8,000 for piling highest break of 117.

Results (final):

Naveen Perwani bt Vishan Gir 6-3 (87-45, 87-21, 10-71, 8-75, 79-24, 24-80, 79-16, 66-37, 68-33).—AZ