Chennai: Former Asian Champion Yasin
Merchant touched his peak to thrash statemate Aditya Mehta 6-1
to clinch the title in the Alumni Club All-India Invitational
Snooker Tournament here today.
Bringing back memories of his artistry and capabilities
to outclass his rivals, the 43-year-old Mumbaikar got into his
elements right from the word go.
Veteran Merchant taught a few lessons to his 24-year-old
younger mate, who most often remained an onlooker during the
match. Merchant was richer by Rs one lakh, while Mehta
received Rs 50,000 for finishing runner-up.
After winning, Merchant said, "Aditya is the sort of
player who if given freedom, will run away with the match.
So, I had to keep it tight. He did not play well today, but if
he was in top form, then I am sure he would have come out on
top."
Mehta admitted that he did not play to his potential.
"I was nowhere near my best today and committed far too
many mistakes. It is not that Yasin played especially well,
but whatever he did, he made it count. I think, he deserved to
win today," Mehta said.
However, Mehta acquitted well in almost every frame leading
with slender margin but Merchant displayed his wares as he
pocketed the colours at will weaving his way for achieving
winning breaks.
Throughout the seven frame match, there were only two big
breaks of 50 plus -- 55 by Merchant in the second frame and 54
by Mehta in the sixth ? mainly due to safety play adopted by
the rivals.
Another veteran Geet Sethi bagged the prize money for
highest break of 96, which he notched up earlier in the
tournament.
Result (final): Yasin Merchant (Mah) bt Aditya Mehta
(PSPB) 6-1 (86-51, 55-20,73-40, 59-39, 75-34, 01-84, 54-17).
PTI
First Published: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 22:40