KARACHI, Aug 25: Reigning national champion Khurram Agha continued his excellent run in the domestic circuit when he overcame country’s most experienced cueist Mohammad Yousuf 6-4 in final to land AKD Snooker Cup at Amir Bux billiards hall of Karachi Club on Friday.

Khurram was home 73-41, 64-62, 60-27, 56-63, 61-49, 15-66, 56-60, 55-47, 37-87, 55-54 in the thrilling battle lasting four-and-a-half hour.

By virtue of triumph, third of the year after national’s and Pakistan Cue Masters, he has regained No 1 slot in the national ranking pushing Imran Shehzad to second place.

On way to the final, Khurram defeated Rambel Gul 5-4 in quarter-final and humbled Mohammad Asif 6-1 in the semis. Earlier, he tasted a stunning 2-4 defeat at the hands of defending champion Abu Saim.

‘I am delighted to beat Yousuf at KC which is considered to be his home ground,’ a jubilant Khurram told Dawn after the match.

‘It was my day as I played better then my opponent,’ said the 29 year-old Khurram who along with Imran recently represented the country at the Asian Snooker spectacle in Colombo.

Yousuf complimented the winner for crowning title as well as attaining top slot in the ranking.

Khurram opened the match on impressive note winning the opening three frames 73-41, 64-62, 60-27.

Struggling to find his touch Yousuf fought back to reduce the deficit grabbing the fourth 63-56 only to see his opponent surging 4-1 ahead with 61-49 win in the fifth.

The former world champion got his act together picking up the sixth and seventh frames 66-15, 60-56 to change the complexion of the match. He made a clearance of 30 in the seventh after Khurram build up a break of 48.

Khurram made it 5-3 taking the next frame 55-47 after Yousuf conceded with black ball still on the table.

Never say dying Yousuf once again cut down the margin to 4-5 grabbing the ninth frame 87-37 conjuring a break of 66.

Making a clearance of 45 Khurram sealed the fate with a 55-54 win in the 10th frame. Earlier, Yousuf also slammed a break of 41.

Khurram received a winning purse of Rs50,000 besides the winners trophy while Yousuf took home Rs30,000 and runners up trophy. Vishan Gir was rewarded Rs5,000 for highest break of 111 which he scored against Yousuf in quarter-final.

Results: (final)

Khurram Agha bt Mohammad Yousuf 6-4 (73-41, 64-62, 60-27, 56-63, 61-49, 15-66, 56-60, 55-47, 37-87, 55-54).