KARACHI: Dazzling Asjad Iqbal of Punjab ended the Jubilee Insurance Ranking Snooker Championship in a blaze of glory when he routed in-form Shehram Changezi of Islamabad 7-2 in the final at Karachi Gymkhana Billiards Hall on Thursday.

The back to back title victory proved the most significant for Asjad, as the 20-year-old emerging snooker star from Sargodha regained his Pakistan number one ranking.

With both Asjad and Shehram in top form, a keen tussle was on the cards. Asjad demonstrated strong potting and spectacular cue control to make Changezi struggle.

With victory in the final, Asjad also avenged his 2-4 defeat suffered against Shehram in the league rounds.

A beaming Asjad collected a glittering trophy and cash purse of Rs.70,000 while Shehram received runner-up trophy and Rs.40,000.

“I owe this win to my parents who always supported me in my game. I also called my mentor and coach Muhammad Sajjad after winning the title,” Asjad said.

“It was my confidence and focus which was instrumental in my success,” he added.

Asjad, who had represented Pakistan in Asian and World Under-21 championship got off to a sterling start by grabbing the first two frames.

Shehram, who featured on the World Professional circuit in England last year, took third frame. Asjad increased his lead 3-1 and a neatly constructed break of 67 to consolidate his position.

Shehram become a mere a spectator as Asjad forged to a decisive 6-1 lead that included a break of 55 in 7th break. Shehram gained some form with a brilliant break of 83 to make it 6-2.

But without wasting any time, Asjad settled the issue by seizing the 9th frame 54-21.

Result: Asjad Iqbal    (Pjb) bt Shahram Changezi (Isb) 7-2 (75-45, 77-29, 44-60, 61-23, 73-50, 81-38, 66-1, 0-83, 54-21).