ISLAMABAD: Promising Mohammad Naseem Akhtar grabbed second title in two days on Thursday when he outplayed Haris Tahir in the U-21 final of the Jubilee Insurance National Junior Snooker Championships here at Pakistan Sports Complex’s Billiard and Snooker Hall.

Naseem, who had on Wednesday beaten Shaikh Mudassir to claim the U-18 national crown, by winning the U-21 title has made a new national record -- of clinching both the titles in the national junior championship.

In the U-21 decider, Naseem was up against Haris, his senior opponent who remained runner-up in the last edition.

Dominating the final almost throughout, Naseem won the 11-frame battle 6-1 (80-40, 42-70, 56-47, 85-10, 71-54, 76-04, 51-41).

Showing excellent control over powerful and slow shots, Naseem was equally magnificent in his defence not allowing his opponent at any stage to settle.

“I’m very happy. Winning back-to-back [U-18 and U-21] national championship titles is a major achievement,” a jubilant Naseem told reporters at the prize distribution ceremony.

Earlier, in the U-18 championship, Naseem had remained unbeaten as he didn’t even lose a single frame and also registered the highest break of 70. However, in the U-21 category, Haris recorded the highest break of 75.

According to tournament director Naveed Kapadia, both finalists will represent the country in the Asian U-21 championship to be hosted by India in April. They would also feature in the Junior World Cup likely to be held in China, the official added.

PBSF president Munawwar Shaikh, former president Alamgir Shaikh and M.B. Ghori attended the prize-distribution ceremony alongwith several other dignitaries.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2017