KARACHI, Nov 25: The patron of the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF), Ali Asghar Valika, gave a pep talk to the Latvia-bound cueists on Monday and said: “You have the talent and ability to rise to the top of the ladder.”

Speaking at the lunch reception held for the cueists at Karachi Club Annexe to motivate them on the eve of their departure, Asghar said: “You are capable of beating any opponent on a given day and scale new heights.”

He expressed happiness that four players will represent the country in the world spectacle for the first time ever. The quartet comprises reigning IBSF world amateur snooker champion Mohammad Asif, Imran Shehzad, Shahid Aftab and Mohammad Sajjad.

“Four steps including one mile jogging in the morning, deep breathing, avoiding going close to opponent during the match and erasing mental pressure are vital to achieve your goal with flying colours,” said the former PBSF chief while advising the cueists.

“Once you’re on the table, you’re the king and nobody can interrupt you as long as you are potting.”

Referring to the importance of a coach he said it was essential and need for one is badly felt when a cueist becomes mentally shaky during a match.

Citing example of Saleh Mohammad’s final against India’s Pankaj Advani in the IBSF world amateur snooker championship in a past edition, Asghar said despite having a clear edge the former lost the battle to a much younger opponent. “Had there been a coach, the result would have been different.”

He also recalled Mohammad Yousuf’s world championship final that he won after a grueling 11-hour duel at Johannesburg without a coach.

Valika said the PBSF was striving for the betterment of cueists and hoped the prize money would be substantially raised in the next domestic circuit. He also called upon the sponsors to come forward and support the cueists in cash and kind. He also expressed optimism that Latif Masters would be revived soon by the Karachi Club.