Faisal upsets Manan to improve quarter-final hopes

Mumbai: Continuing his giant-killing spree, Faisal Khan of Railways whitewashed former India No 1 Manan Chandra of Bharat Petroleum 4-0 in the Ekta World Shyam Shroff Memorial All India Open Invitation Snooker Tournament at the Khar Gymkhana here on Wednesday.

Faisal, who had shocked former junior national billiards champion Shahbaz Khan earlier, thus improved his chances of a berth in the quarter finals with his third win from as many matches in Group B against Chandra. Faisal, who brought off two half century breaks, won 84-25, 78-23, 84-33, 79-29 and the defeat was Chandra`s second in three outings. The winner had significant breaks of 64 in the third frame and 56 in the fourth. In Group A, India No 2 Lucky Vatnani of Hyderabad edged out Sourav Kothari of ONGC 4-3, while in Group D, Rafath Habib of Railways registered a crucial 4-1 win over Alok Kumar. Both enhanced their hopes of a last eight berth.Asian Games team silver medallist Yasin Merchant beat Maharashtra No 1 Rishabh Pandya of Indian Oil 4-0 for his second win in Group A. Merchant, who had a break of 89 in the opening frame, improved on it by firing the tournament`s highest break, an unfinished 101 in the fourth. PTI