Sajjad makes it to IBSF World Snooker final

Published November 28, 2014
In this file photo, Mohammad Sajjad eyes the ball during a match.—Anis Hamdani / White Star
In this file photo, Mohammad Sajjad eyes the ball during a match.—Anis Hamdani / White Star

KARACHI: Pakistan's ace cueist Mohammad Sajjad entered the final of IBSF World Snooker Championship when he defeated Zhao Xin Tong of China 7-3 in the semi final in Bangalore on Friday evening.

Sajjad defeated Manan Chandra of India 6-1 before the home audience in the last eight round earlier in the day.

Playing quality tactical snooker and displaying masterly cue control Sajjad just lost fifth frame before racing to a commanding victory.

“I know I am so close and I am eyeing to win the title for Pakistan,” Sajjad from Sargodha said in his comments after his triumph.

Sajjad got off to sterling start by forging 4-0 ahead with strong potting and safety play to put Manan Chandra under pressure.

Indian took the fifth frame 77-44. But Sajjad without showing any leniency grabbed the next two frames in comfortable fashion to register 80-20, 68-39, 85-19, 59-18, 44-77, 80-32, 70-27 victory.

Earlier in the pre quarter-finals, Sajjad shocked reigning Asian champion Thor Chuanleong of Malaysia 5-2 with splendid breaks of 116, 62, 52 and 51 in the match.

Former Asian number two Sajjad staged a superb fight after dropping the opening frame to stun Chuanleong with spectacular cue control, tactical play and smart break-building.

Sajjad defeated Chuanleong 27-74, 62-69, 76-22, 63-23, 61-24, 133-0 and 80-16.

Other two Pakistani players, Muhammad Asif Toba and Hamza Akbar had crashed out of the championship in the last 64-round.

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