Punjabs Mohammed Sajjad Butt in action during the 2008 championship. -APP (file)

KARACHI Asjad Iqbal clinched the NJI National Junior Snooker title after imposing authoritative 5-2 victory over Hamza Akber in the best of nine frames final at the Karachi Club on Friday.

Like last year, this year`s final also turned out to be an all-Punjab affair and fell short of expectations.

Both the cueists were awarded one frame apiece by the organisers for reporting at least half-an-hour behind schedule. Asjad was home 59-55, 75-6, 63-11, 40-51, 69-29.

Asjad, who hails from Sargodha, topped group G, edged Balochistan`s Kamran 3-0 in pre-quarters, Punjab`s Qamar Zaman Khan 4-1 in quarters and Punjab`s Mohammad Afzal 4-1 in semis on way to making the final grade.

Similarly, Hamza, a native of Faisalabad, was impressive in group A by finishing at the top with a clean slate. He struggled to beat Imran Ali 3-2, Abdul Raziq 4-1, both from Balochistan, and Sindh`s Agha Bilawal 4-2 in the run up to the final.

By attaining top two positions, both the cueists have earned a ticket for the world U-21 snooker championship which is due to be held at Kish Island in Iran from July 15 to 25. Besides, they have also qualified to feature in the National Snooker Championship which gets into action at the Karachi Club from March 16.

Asjad received purse of Rs40,000 and the winners trophy while Hamza took home Rs25,000 and runner up trophy.

In addition, the winner also fetched Highest Break cash award of Rs5,000 for piling a break of 89 against Mohammad Afzal in the semi-final on Thursday.

Unfortunately, none of the cueists were able to register a century break in the contest.

Final result

Asjad Iqbal (Punjab) bt Hamza Akber (Punjab) 5-2 (One frame awarded to Asjad and one to Hamza, 59-55, 75-6, 63-11, 40-51, 69-29).