KARACHI Pakistan's four-year title draught in the baize game ended on Saturday when country's top cueist Mohammad Sajjad subdued Thailand's Passakorn Suwannawat 5-4 in the best of nine frames final to annex the Korat Snooker Cup in the Nakhon Ratchasima city. Sajjad became the first Asian wildcard and also the first Pakistani ever to land a Thai ranking title.
He enjoyed an edge over his opponent right from the word go, leading 3-1, 4-3 and went on to win the decisive ninth frame after being tied four-all.
The scores were 83-7, 0-98, 86-7, 71-40, 0-96, 18-68, 69-41, 14-78, 64-31.
Pakistan captured its last title - the World Masters - through veteran Mohammad Yousuf at Jordan four years back. He is the only player in the world to date having won world amateur title, Asian title and the world Masters title.
Fresh from his stunning 4-2 triumph over Thai No 1 and a former world champion Noppadon Noppachorn in the first pre-final on Friday, the Pakistani never looked back and gave his nation a memorable gift of Independence Day.He opened the final on a firm note giving no room to his opponent by taking the opening frame 83-7 which includes a brilliant break of 64. He conceded the next frame 0-98 only to regain his touch and surge 3-1 winning the third 86-7 and the fourth 71-40 which saw another break of 53.
Backed by a large home crowd, the Thai brought the final on an even kneel (three-all) grabbing the fifth and sixth frames 96-0, 68-18 with polished breaks of 92 and 68 respectively.
Sajjad again went 4-3 up capturing the seventh frame 69-41 only to lose the eighth 14-78.
A never say die Sajjad finally pocketed the ninth and decisive frame 64-31 to emerge victorious.
He earned a winning purse of 100,000 Baht in addition to 15,000 Baht appearance money.
Results
Mohammad Sajjad (Pakistan) bt Passakorn Suwannawat (Thailand) 5-4 (83-7, 0-98, 86-7, 71-40, 0-96, 18-68, 69-41, 14-78, 64-31).
