KARACHI, June 12: Sixth seed Naveen Perwani recovered from 4-5 down to turn the table on former world champion and ninth seed Mohammad Yousuf emerging 6-5 victorious in the final to claim the KC Open snooker challenge title for an overall third time at the Karachi Club on Monday.

Naveen, 34, was home 80-7, 24-74, 73-32, 118-5, 2-69, 55-40, 39-68, 16-74, 52-64, 60-15, 68-28 in the gruelling encounter which lasted four-and-a-half hour.

“I am happy for picking up the title third time since its inception, the previous being in 2001 and 2004,” a jubilant Naveen said after the match.

Winner of three Latif Masters, Naveen opened his campaign in convincing style taking 3-1 and 4-2 lead. At that stage Yousuf stormed back in game and raced on to grab three frames to enjoy 5-4 lead.

Naveen who lost his rhythm recovered not only to neutralise score 5-5 but went on to clinch the decisive frame.

Naveen received a winning purse of Rs20,000 while Yousuf took home runners up prize of Rs12,000.

Qasim Kamani who won the first phase earned Rs10,000 while runners up Sarwar Siddiqui got richer by Rs6,000.

Results:

Naveen Perwani bt Mohammad Yousuf 6-5 (80-7, 24-74, 73-32, 118-5, 2-69, 55-40, 39-68, 16-74, 52-64, 60-15, 68-28).