The home team trailing by one point 12-11 on the opening day, were doomed for defeat falling further back into arrears 31-20. Now in deficit by 11 points, no one gave Pakistan a ghost of chance to come back into the game.

All the four home cueists gave out their best on the final day, but Pakistan’s fourth seed Imran Shehzad was undoubtedly the hero of the Pakistan side collecting five points from Manan Chandra which included three bonus points with a century break f 114 and an earlier break of 52, while surrendering only one point

Veteran Mohammad Yousuf was not far behind collecting three points from the Asian champion Alok Kumar and then another three from Manan Chandra in the Lucky Seven contest. Pakistan’s top cueist Saleh Mohammad grabbed four points three for his singles victory over the former world champion Pankaj Advani and one in the doubles and the skipper Naveen Perwani credited himself with three points, two in his singles clash with Devendra Joshi and one from the doubles.

But the never day die Pakistanis gave the Indians quite a scare and only one point separated the two teams 39-38 when the exciting series was finally over.

On Saturday morning the Indians increased their winning margin to 12, when Pankaj Advani and Devendra Joshi came from behind to beat Mohammad Yousuf 59/58.

But the combination of Saleh Mohammad and Naveen Perwani earned the home side two valuble points against Alok Kumar and Manan Chandra. One for winning the frame and a bonus point from Saleh chalking up a splendid break of 60.

When Saleh went out to meet Pankaj, India were still happily placed leading 32-22. The Pakistan No.1 getting his act together stormed through the first frame 103/22 with a smashing break of 79 and was on course for a century with six reds and the coloured balls on the table. Unfortunately he missed and gained only two points from the first frame.

Unruffled with the situation Pankaj this time displayed his great skill winning the next frame 90/0, which included a fine break of 51, which also earned him two points. Stung into action Saleh grabbed the third frame 77/54 and emerged a 3-2 winner. India was now 32 to Pakistan’s 25 points.

Imran Shehzad lost the first frame to Manan Chandra 58/20, but sent a scare into the Indian camp when he pinched five vital points, winning the second frame 73/20 with a break of 52 and sounding a break of 114 in the final frame adding another three points to his tally.

This was the only century break throughout the three day tournament. After this encounter India were now 35 to Pakistan’s 30.

But the Indians began to breathe easier again when Alok took three points from Yousuf winning the opening frame 131/8 with Alok grabbing two bonus points with breaks of 74 and 57. Although terribly disappointed with the proceedings as India increased the lead 38-30, Yousuf fought back gallantly and also ran away with three points, winning the second frame 76/35 with a polished break of 52 and pocketing the last frame 60/45. The score now read India 38, Pakistan 33.

In the last singles match skipper Naveen Perwani won the first two frames against Devendra Joshi 81/13 and 72/48 to edge Pakistan closer 35-38, but unfortunately lost the last frame 61/33. Devandra was indeed unlucky not to steal another point when on 48 and going for the yellow ball for his 50, threw his head up in the air in dismay when the yellow hit the jaw of the pocket and bounced back into play.

With the final Lucky Seven to be played Pakistan was now four points adrift and needed to win the frame with a bonus point to tie the series.

Pakistan veteran Mohammad Yousuf took on Manan Chandra and the Indian cueist got off to a fine start notching up 39 points with two visits to the table.

Finally potting a difficult red followed up with the pink, Yousuf got into motion scoring 41 points on the trot with two reds still on the table. With the huge gathering urging him on for a 50 break, Yousuf missed a fairly difficult red and although he did go on to win the frame 74/39, he earned three points as Pakistan just missed the victory target going down 39-38. So near and yet so far away.

The Indian cueists along with their manager Michael Ferreria, a living legend himself, were completely overjoyed. Had the scores been tied, Pakistan would have nominated their best player to play against India’s best player to decide the outcome the series. Sadly that never came about.

The Indians received the winning trophy and a handsome purse of Rs.200,000 while the Pakistan cueists had to be content with the runners-up trophy along with a cheque for Rs.100,000.