The Hindu : Sport / Billiards & Snooker : India wins Peace Cup

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 21, 2004

Sport

Sport - Billiards & Snooker

India wins Peace Cup

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20. India blanked Pakistan 3-0 in the three-Test snooker series to win the Rexello Castors Peace Cup here on Sunday.

After comprehensively beating Pakistan in the first two Tests, the Indians won the third 6-1 to avenge the series defeat in Karachi last year.

World amateur champion Pankaj Advani regained his form to give India a brilliant start in the opening encounter outwitting Pakistan's young talent Imran Shahzad in straight frames 94-0, 75-6.

Asian champion Alok Kumar put India 2-0 ahead defeating Pakistan's top ranked Khurram Agha 77-27, 76-1. In the doubles, Manan Chandra and Asian Games gold medallist Rafat Habib overcame a mid-match slump to beat Pakistan's Imran Shahzad and Muhammed Atiq Buksh 67-34, 21-64, 85-19.

With the match interestingly poised at 1-1 Manan produced a superb break of 47 to put the final frame and the match in India's pocket. He then continued his excellent form in singles overcoming some resistance from Buksh to win 38-80, 83-39, 83-0 as India went 4-0 ahead.

Staring down the barrel, former world snooker champion Muhammad Yousuf beat Rafat 68-60, 90-0 to record a consolation win for Pakistan.

Merchant prevailed over Saleh Muhammad 49-37, 78-58 before India wrapped up the tie winning the second doubles encounter. Advani and Merchant pipped Saleh Muhammad and Khurram Agha after a three-frame battle 75-27, 21-72, 47-42. — PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport