KARACHI: Noted cueist Mohammad Asif had to wait for seven years to capture National Bank of Pakistan ranking title as he snatched a fine 8-7 win from the jaws of defeat against defending champion Mohammad Sajjad in the epic final played at the bank’s sports complex on Tuesday.

The former world amateur snooker champion made a grand comeback into the game particularly when 5-7 down to post an incredible victory. His two century breaks, both of 104, was the hallmark that boosted his confidence.

Asif won the duel 70-77, 80-62, 27-70, 104-0, 37-90, 58-64, 67-39, 33-71, 59-46, 60-50, 27-69, 27-76, 104-0, 74-43, 74-1.

Contrary to the format of play released to media in the press conference which had said that the final will be played over 13 frames, it was contested over 15 frames.

It is pertinent to mention that Asif had earlier made it to the final of the fifth NBP Cup in 2013 but lost to Asjad Iqbal.

By winning the title on Tuesday, the 33-year-old Asif has also regained top slot in the national ranking after a long lay off. He is followed in the second place by Sajjad.

Both the finalists, who are employed in the NBP, have also earned a ticket for Egypt to compete in the IBSF world amateur snooker championship (15 Red-balls) being held at Hurghada from Nov 10-21.

In the run up to the final, Asif inflicted a 5-2 defeat on Shah Khan in the pre quarters, blanked former Pakistan No 1 Imran Shehzad 5-0 in the quarters and sent Mohammad Bilal packing 6-0 in the semis.

“It’s a great moment for me that I had earned three honours today i.e. winning the elusive NBP title, regaining top ranking and qualifying for the world event,” an elated Asif told Dawn after the final.

Asif, who emulated compatriot Mohammad Yousuf’s feat by winning the world crown at Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2012, said things went ahead as he had planned.

The two-time former national champion said he and Sajjad have rich experience under their belts and will go all out to return with flying colours from Egypt.

Sajjad, the reigning world No 2, who had an impressive domestic season winning two of the three ranking titles last year, said he will try to make amends of Bangalore loss in Egypt.

He thanked NBP and the PBSF for their continuous support to the cueists.

At the outset, Sajjad enjoyed an edge over Asif right from the word go until the twelfth frame when he (Sajjad) led 7-5. Needing only one frame to wrap up the match, he lost focus and Asif capitalised chances by taking the next three frames in one hand and the match.

Asif received a purse of Rs60,000 and winners trophy while Sajjad earned Rs35,000 and the runner-up trophy from Asif Hasan, senior executive vice president of the NBP, who graced the final.

The highest century break award of Rs5,000 went to Shahid Aftab for a splendid break of 135.

Cash prizes of Rs1,74,000 were disbursed among players.

Also present on the occasion were Zaheer Baig, divisional head CSR, Ovais Asad Khan, Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation president Alamgir Shaikh, secretary Munawwar Shaikh and executive committee member Amin Bawany.

Final result:

Mohammad Asif (Punjab) bt Mohammad Sajjad (Punjab) 8-7 (70-77, 80-62, 27-70, 104-0, 37-90, 58-64, 67-39, 33-71, 59-46, 60-50, 27-69, 27-76, 104-0, 74-43, 74-1)

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2015

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