November 30, 2007	Friday	Ziqa’ad 19, 1428

KARACHI, Nov 29: President of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA), Asghar Valika, has termed the performance of Asians in the just concluded IBSF World Amateur Snooker Championship as incredible.

“Three Asians made it to the last four and the final turned out to be an all-Asian and an all-Thai affair,” he told Dawn on Thursday.

Atthasit Mahitthi became the fifth Thai to win the world snooker title when he beat compatriot Passakorn Suwannawat 11-7 in the final.

Besides, UAE’S Mohammad Shehab also became the first Arab to secure third place.

As far as Pakistan is concerned, he said though our cueists failed to make it to the podium they came out with commendable performance.

“Saleh made it to the last 16 before losing to the eventual champion while world championship debutant Imran Shahzad was eliminated in the last 32,” he remarked.

He went on to say that for the first time the world event had a draw of 104 and added that Saleh slammed three century breaks while Imran had one under his belt.

Wales Darren Morgan captured the Masters trophy when he subdued two-time Asian champion, Kamchai Wongjan of Thailand 5-1 in the final. Pakistan’s defending champion, Mohammad Yousuf, could not go beyond the last 16.

The PBSA chief said the 2008 Asian championship will be held at Dubai while Austria will serve as a venue for the next world meet.

About domestic activities Valika said plans are afoot to revive the National Junior snooker championship in January. This will be immediately followed by the 33rd National championship in February.