Rishab Thukral upsets Mohd. Yousuf

AGRA, NOV. 28. Rishab Thukral of Delhi caused a sensational upset, accounting for former Asian and World champion Mohammed Yousuf of Pakistan, to top in his group in the S. Chand-Jaypee 3rd international snooker tournament here on Monday.

Nobody gave Rishab any chance to clear this major hurdle and a bout of migraine gave him a lurking fear against his much celebrated opponent. But on Monday, he was a rejuvenated man.

He fired a splendid run of 67 to put his nose in front in the very first frame. The second also went in similar fashion but in the third, the Pakistani gave glimpses of his old form. It was a treat to watch him in action. After this minor hiccup, Rishab blazed away to win 85-36, 68-31, 26-82, 81-20 and 87-23.

In an earlier match, Yousuf defeated a determined Siddarth Rao inspite of the latter making a century run in the fourth frame. Siddarth was trifle unlucky as the balls did not roll in his favour and bowed out of the competition. Yousuf won 70-30, 35-79, 66-55, 0-132, 62-53, 80-52.

Yasin Merchant was in a devastating form and it would be difficult for any player to confront him with confidence.

He reeled out two majestic breaks of 85 and 65 in his match against Mohammed El Joker. The latter started the proceedings in a whirlwind manner by annexing the first frame. Merchant unleashed all the shots in his repertoire and won the fourth frame on the trot. He won 25-95, 87-0, 85-39, 53-26 and 67-14.

Ashok Shandilya had nothing to lose in his match against Khurram Aga. He was determined to win because if his opponent had won, he was in line to qualify in the last eight. Shandliya won in style, beating Khuram 79-32, 0-89, 63-32, 65-44, 70-53. The loser made a superb break of 89 which he could have extended to 139 had he not missed a sitter.

Dhamender Lilly had to beat Salem of UAE by the margin of four frames to one to sail into the quarters. He started on a confident note but failed to prevent his opponent from winning two frames. Though he won the match by four frames to two, he made his exit due to frame averages.

Saleh Mohammed of Pakistan is another player to watch. If his past reputation was any indication, then he is a very strong contender to lift the trophy. He defeated Devender Joshi 30-61, 68-22, 103-8, 18-63, 59-51 and 78-50. In another match, Saleh summarily disposed off Rafat Habib by four frames to one.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Next     : Sasikiran's win cockles Indian hearts