Sport - Billiards & Snooker

Loganathan rallies to clinch title

— Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHAMPIONS: Prem Prakash and R. Loganathan who emerged the billiards and snooker winners respectively.

CHENNAI: R. Loganathan (SVS) showed the virtues of a slow and steady approach while making light of a two-frame arrears to post a 6-2 win over R. Girish (RGS) in the final of the snooker event in the Abirami Mega Mall TNBSA State-ranking tournament here on Tuesday.

Loganathan won 39-72, 33-64, 82-50, 85-9, 67-21, 58-17, 67-40, 64-1 in the best-of-11 frame title round.

Girish, who had finished runner-up in the billiards event to Prem Prakash of Coimbatore, started with a flourish but soon lost his touch and focus. Loganathan, who had won this title four years ago, was a picture of concentration right through.

Even as Girish galloped away in the first two frames with pleasing potting and clever clearances that can undermine any opponent, it looked like Loganathan was biding his time.

What triggered the confidence in the experienced cueist was the way he clawed back from a deficit of 50 points in the third frame to win it.

The way he levelled the score at 50 in that frame before forging ahead set the tone for the remainder of the match.

Careful in his selection of the red and often meticulous in piling up points using the black and blue balls, Loganathan had the delicate touches and the long shots working to his advantage. He also showed the patience while clearing the reds.

A happy Loganathan, who runs the Q-Shot pool parlour along with a partner, said: “I have been keen to establish myself in snooker and this win will greatly help me.”

The Joint Commissioner (North), M. Ravi, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

Other results: Snooker (semifinals): Loganathan bt Nadeem Ahmed (TNBSA) 35-86, 68-47, 73-34, 73-27, 67-21, 51-65, 72-36; Girish bt Harpreet Singh (MCC) 52-76, 42-50, 71-55, 67-0, 69-31, 68-26, 43-86, 72-35.