KARACHI, Aug 2: Pakistan manager Shahnawaz Khan said on Tuesday that it was pressure which caused the ouster of Pakistan’s top rated cueist Saleh Muhammad from the Asian snooker championship semifinal in Bangkok.

“Saleh was outstanding throughout the event but he came under pressure after taking 2-0 lead against Chinese Jin Long in semifinal before going 5-4 down,” he said. He said Saleh would be coming back home on Thursday as he had given his cue for repair. “He (Saleh) after a great start could not control his nerves and conceded 2-4 lead to Jin before going down battling in fully extended pre-final,” he added.

Shahnawaz said Muhammad Yousuf failed to live up to his billing and lost in the pre-quarterfinal. “Yousuf was not up to the mark in the competition,” he said. He said it was definitely a great disappointment for him (manager), Saleh, Pakistan Billiards Snooker Association and followers of the game. “It’s part and parcel of the game and you have to live with it.”

Pakistan manager said players like Saleh need a good coach to reach the top.

“Saleh is top player and he now needs high class coaching to achieve something big in the sport.

“Saleh fought well against highly skilful Jin Long, the eventual winner. Besides good game, you need a bit of luck in this green top green baize stick ball game,” he maintained. The next year’s Asian championship will be held in Sri Lanka.—APP