Date:17/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101756512200.htm

Sport - Billiards & Snooker

Chitra savours her triumph

Special Correspondent

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

PROUD CHAMPION: Chitra Magimairaj who was felicitated by the KSBA in Bangalore on Thursday.

BANGALORE: Chitra Magimairaj sported a big smile which masked her steely determination.

The two World billiards titles and now the Australian Open women’s snooker championship crown, which she won on Monday was there for all to see. But the National titles, be it in billiards or snooker, has eluded this 34-year-old.

“The last four years have been a great learning experience, both on and off the table. Though I’ve been playing this sport for almost eight years now it’s these last three years that have been rewarding. The satisfaction in winning this title (Australian Open snooker) has been amazing” said Chitra.

“A very important aspect as I see is that I’m enjoying the game better and playing with less pressure. I was harsh on myself and determined for results … but now it’s all changed. I spend more time on the table and enjoy every moment of it, without the pressure and the results are coming. I intend doing the same in the coming Nationals at Indore, next month.

“At the Nationals I played with the pressure of finishing in the top two, to ensure my qualification for the World IBSF championships, and invariably came a cropper. And since I could not make it for the IBSF women’s snooker beginning in Austria from October 28, I decided to play in this championship. Yes the top UK players were not there but all the same the competition was good and I came through unscathed. And this has been a good preparation for me going into the Nationals,” she said.

“Mental toughness thanks to yoga and the time spent at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield two years ago has helped me immensely. I intend to practise in Sheffield again and play the UK snooker circuit next year to prepare for the IBSF women’s World snooker. But for that my first target now is the Nationals and hopefully I will come good,” said Chitra, who thanked the KSBA and her parents for the fantastic support extended to her.

Chitra who also won the trophy for the highest break (of 64) in the Australian Open championship, was presented with a cash award of Rs. 50,000 by the KSBA.