KARACHI, July 30: Chinese Jin Long on Saturday halted Saleh Muhammad’s great run in the 21st Asian snooker championship with a hard fought 5-4 victory in the semifinal in Bangkok (Thailand), according to information received by Pakistan Billiards Snooker Association (PBSA).

This was for the third time that Saleh was eliminated from Asians in the last four stage of the event on his eighth attempt.

It was splendid win for Long, who came from 0-2 down to topple Saleh 21-81, 40-59, 81-47, 71-35, 56-40, 77-18, 0-86, 0-64, 64-36.

Long carved out a break of 54 in the fourth frame while Saleh compiled a brilliant clearance break of 86 in the penultimate frame.

Saleh, who won cliff hangers against Pankaj Advani in the pre-quarterfinal 4-3 and beat Keith Boon 5-4 in the quarterfinal, made an encouraging start by grabbing the first two frames.

But Long, who finished runner-up against Yasin Merchant of India in 2000 Asian championship got into his strides. Dipping the multicolored balls masterly he took the next four frames at a trot to move 4-2 ahead.

The Chinese needed another frame to seize victory. But Saleh had other ideas and showing fighting spirit, he grabbed frame seven in superb manner with a clearance break of 86 and also blanked Long 64-0 in the eighth frame to set up an exciting finish.

But the lanky Chinese produced fine tactical safety play and time potting to emerge winner by picking all important deciders 64-36.—APP