KARACHI: Pakistan’s ace cueist Mohammad Sajjad entered the final of IBSF World Snooker Championship when he defeated Zhao Xin Tong of China in the semi final in Bangalore, India on Friday evening.
Sajjad defeated Manan Chandra of India 6-1 before the home audience in the last eight round earlier in the day.
Playing quality tactical snooker and displaying masterly cue control Sajjad just lost fifth frame before racing to a commanding victory.
“I know I am so close and I am eyeing to win the title for Pakistan,” Sajjad from Sargodha said in his comments after his triumph.
Sajjad got off to sterling start by forging 4-0 ahead with strong potting and safety play to put Manan Chandra under pressure.
Indian took the fifth frame 77-44. But Sajjad without showing any leniency grabbed the next two frames in comfortable fashion to register 80-20, 68-39, 85-19, 59-18, 44-77, 80-32, 70-27 victory.
Earlier in the pre quarter-finals, Sajjad shocked reigning Asian champion Thor Chuanleong of Malaysia 5-2 with splendid breaks of 116, 62, 52 and 51 in the match.
Former Asian number two Sajjad staged a superb fight after dropping the opening frame to stun Chuanleong with spectacular cue control, tactical play and smart break-building.
Sajjad defeated Chuanleong 27-74, 62-69, 76-22, 63-23, 61-24, 133-0 and 80-16.
Other two Pakistani players, Muhammad Asif Toba and Hamza Akbar had crashed out of the championship in the last 64-round.
