KARACHI: After two days of closely-fought contests, Iran took a two-point lead in the five-day snooker series against Pakistan on Friday.
The hosts finished the second day on 47 points, after winning four of the day’s five matches, with Pakistan on 45 points.
Close contests Of the 18 matches played on the first two days, Pakistan have won eight while hosts Iran have won 10, making it difficult to pick a favourite for the winner’s trophy.
At the end of the first day, it was Pakistan with a one-point lead as they bagged 46 points.
Pakistan’s manager Shahzad Chaudhry said the two teams have been highly competent so far.
“Iran have been superior in terms of century breaks (eight as opposed to Pakistan’s four) but we have been doing better in frames,” Chaudhry told Dawn.com from Tehran.
“The first day belonged to us but they (Iran) dominated on the second day.”
Super Sajjad Muhammad Sajjad has been Pakistan’s standout player in the series so far, having won four of his six matches, while teammates Imran Shahzad and Muhammad Shahid have won two matches each.
Chaudhry praised Sajjad on the third day of the series, which was a rest day.
“Sajjad has been our best player and has managed to live up to his top billing by putting his international experience to good used,” Chaudhry said.
Series format The series is being played in according to mutually agreed format, where nine matches comprising three singles and twice as many reverse singles of best of seven frames will be played daily for six days.
One point will be awarded for each frame won, one bonus point for break of 50 and two bonus points for break of 100.
The points will be carried forward each day and in the end the team securing more points will be declared champion.
The series, being played at Tehran’s Azadi Sports Complex, will conclude on April 5.
